Mba 533 - 753 Words

Visit at least two different companies’ website and read about how each company explicates the working environment and its expectations of employees. In your discussion post, reference the websites you analyzed. Examples of companies include, Kraft Foods, Apple, CVS Caremark, Johnson amp; Johnson, and Target. Identify what your selected companies do to establish a positive working environment and committed employees. Be specific in identifying behaviors, programs, or initiatives. (Note: If a company website does not provide enough information, select another company.) Gulfstream: Gulfstream Aerospace does not want their employees to feel as if work is just about counting down the hours until it is time to go home. They want it to be,†¦show more content†¦(n.d.)). Thus, they encourage their employees to have a healthy balanced lifestyle through wellness programs. For instance, each member of Gulfstream employee pays $10 per month for a family package with the Youth Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A). Every year, the company hosts a family field day for their employee’s family members. It is their way to show appreciation and the importance of family’s support. Gulfstream is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer; they strive to provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, (Gulfstream - Careers. (n.d.)). Last, but not least, they also provide accommodations to employees with a disability, making the working environment less problematic. Verizon: â€Å"We are committed through our actions and the services we provide to positively impact the communities and customers we serve. We strive to conduct business responsibly and ethically, maintaining our reputation for trust and responsibility wherever we operate,† (Verizon. (n.d.)). At Verizon, they engage their employees with challenging and meaningful work; establish the value that would last for the society. They are devoted to place their customers first by providing excellent service and exceptional communication experiences, (Verizon. (n.d.). They are committed and honor theirShow MoreRelatedMBA 533 Human Resource Management1252 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Ã‚   Assignment 1 January 9,2014 MBA 533 Human Resource in Management Strategic initiatives of an organization starts in understanding the importance of people. Some characteristics of strategic HRM are performed by line managers, who are the party responsible for human resources. The objective of a line manager is to improve the understanding and strategic use of human assets. 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She was the product manager for K2-Tape, the company’s premium pressure sensitive carton sealing tapeRead MoreEssay on Hp Case Study706 Words   |  3 PagesMBA 533 Advanced Operations Management Fall, 2010 Case: Hewlett-Packard: DeskJet Printer Supply Chain A and B What are the pros and cons of the following proposals mentioned in the A case: a European factory, better forecasting, more inventory. †¢ European factory Pros: (1) Shorter delivery time, which means less pipe line inventory, less inventory cost. (2) Faster response to market requirement. Cons: (1) Need to build anotherRead MoreStrategic Organization Initiatives vs Hr Approaches Essay794 Words   |  4 PagesASSIGNMENT 1 LARA Z. ALTINOK MBA 533 HUMAN RESOURCE in MANAGEMENT Instructor: Dr. George Zagursky Introduction This paper will analyze two strategic initiatives of an organization and how they match up with the HR approaches. 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Moreover, during the two years study at Rutgers, it’ll beRead MoreDiscovery Of Oil : Discovery1539 Words   |  7 Pagessignature bonuses (down payment for the initial award of oil licences), which varied between US $500,000 and US $1 million, compared with tens of millions elsewhere in the Gulf of Guinea and hundreds of million in Angola’s deepwater.† (Frynas 2009, 533) The low restrictions and regulations have contributed to Equatorial Guinea’s extensive oil extraction, the chart below illustrates the high performance from Equatorial Guinea in reference to the percentage of Daily Oil Extraction and percentage ofRead MoreKkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk6406 Words   |  26 PagesSustainability in Design and Manufacturing 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2. Energy and the Environment AUTO 533 Advanced Energy Solutions CEE 567 Energy Infrastructure Systems ESENG 501 Seminars on Energy Systems, Technology and Policy ESENG 505 Energy Generation and Storage Using Modern Materials MECHENG 432 Combustion OR MECHENG 537 Advanced Combustion OR AEROSP 533 Combustion Processes MECHENG 589 Ecological Sustainability in Design and Manufacturing Materials MATSCI 420 MATSCI 514Read MoreRbc Case1869 Words   |  8 Pagesimportant and long-time customer of the bank. It would be important not to alienate this important customer. 3. When the CRM system doesn’t provide information necessary Reich should advocate for this customer because of her potential like she is a fresh MBA grad that could be a good source of future revenue or she could be a potential customer for a credit card. 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Information Technology Ia Free Essays

string(49) " how long it took a male student to get through\." Information Technology Unit 2 Internal Assessment Table of Contents Content Page Acknowledgementsi Abstract 1 Section 12 Problem Definition 3 Analysis of the problem4-5 Identification and Justification of tools6-7 Assessment of the implication of the solution8-9 Section 210 Implementation of the solution11-14 Section 315 Appendices16-23 Abstract For many years the Meadowbrook High School Book Room has been plagued with problems. Problems such as slow service, malfunctioning equipment and the lack of computer devices. However, the main problem encountered is the slow service received when using the Book Room. We will write a custom essay sample on Information Technology Ia or any similar topic only for you Order Now It has been discovered that there aren’t enough measures put in place to tackle this problem. This research or project is being conducted to rectify this problems encountered. It will identify the causes of these problems, how were they developed, the solutions to rectify them and how the solutions suggested shall benefit the Book Room. This project costs of three sections: 1. Section one comprises of a definition of the problem, an analysis of the findings for the problem, an identification of the most suitable productivity tool and the issues that may arise from the implementation of the solution. . Section two comprises of an appropriate use of the Database productivity tool and the solutions to help counteract the problem. 3. Section three comprises of appendices 1 [pic] 2 Problem Definition The computer Systems that the Book Room uses to operate its business sometimes operates slowly. These computer systems are also not up to date which therefore account for the slow serv ice and sometimes require the installation of new computer software. The main error discovered or made when collecting and returning books is the slow service. When a child receives a book from the book room he or she is expected to take care of the book until it is to be returned. When collecting books from the book room under the book rental program, the number of children collecting books is high due to the fact that the computer system operates slowly and each students name has to be entered into the system. After each name has been entered, then the book he or she is receiving has to be scanned into the system and the name and number each book has to be entered under his/her name for future reference. Children tend to return books that are not theirs, which results in a fine being paid for lost, stolen or outstanding books. Because of these errors, students are forming long lines. There is also the fact that there is only one computer resulting in the slow service. Most of the time when a person visits the book room to return a book, the person in charge has to type in the student’s name, wait until the name and information comes up and then he/she tells you about the books you have outstanding or which books you have returned, resulting in the process being long and slow. 3 Analysis of the Problem The book room is known to be one of the most important facilities at Meadowbrook which keeps proper records of books borrowed by students under the rental program. Over the years a number of problems have been encountered with the service at the Book Room. Students are the persons that use this system daily and are the one’s who tend to encounter these problems. The problems identified by the students and other persons are lack of computer devices(22%), malfunctioning of the computer system(10%) and lack of computer software(20%) but the main problem encountered was the slow service(45%), see appendix 6. Three fact finding techniques had been used to identify these problems; Questionnaire, an observation and Interview. Based on the information gathered from the surveys (Questionnaire and interview –see appendix for copies) that had been done, it was evident that there were a number of causes for the main problem. Out of the 15 questionnaires that had been issued, 10 were returned. The returned questionnaires had revealed that most of the respondents were female (62%) and males (38%) (See pie chart in appendix 5). The survey had also identified a few causes to the various problems. The causes to these problems include the use of old computer devices, the use of outdated software and the major cause, lack of monetary funds. On certain days such as the beginning of the school year, the number of students that have turned out to use the book room would have added to the slow service. 4 Based on the respondents response it is stated that the school is not doing enough to rectify these problems, which therefore resulted in the problems being evident. There are a few solutions to correct these problems. Implementing the use of voice command devices was chosen by 36% of the respondents; 54% chose to implement the use of swipe cards, 7% chose to install new computer software and 3% suggested that the Book Room purchase a new barcode reader. The main benefit of implementing these solutions would be for faster and smoother service, which was, stated 62% of the respondents. On January 23, 2009 an interview (see appendix 4) was conducted. The interviewees were the book room operator and a student at the school. Both were asked the same set of questions. The findings stated to be similar to that of the findings of the questionnaire. It is evident that the main problem encountered was the slow service; both interviewees stated this. The book room operator also stated that the malfunctioning of the devices was another problem. The problems tend to exist because of the lack of monetary funds. It was also noticed that both interviewees stated that the school is not doing enough to correct these problems. Both interviewees response to correct the problems were to implement the use of swipe cards and to install voice command devices. On such a day (beginning of school year) an observation (see appendix 7) had been done. The observation had shown how long it took a male student to get through. You read "Information Technology Ia" in category "Essay examples" It took the boy approximately 27 minutes in all as he moved from the back of the line to the front and to also obtain service. It is therefore obvious that the service is slow. 5 Identification and Justification of Tools In order to correct the problem of slow service at the book room, a number of appropriate tools have to be considered. The most significant solution to solve the problem was the implementation of electronic swipe cards. During the implementation stage a few productivity tools would have to be considered. The most appropriate productivity tool would be the use of a Database Management System (DBMS). This system requires that database management software be used in order to ensure that proper records are kept for each student. Most database software packages store the data of students in tables and allow the data in the different tables to be linked in various ways. Typical features of a database package are: †¢Forms to enter the data. †¢Queries that allow the data to be selected and sorted in various ways. †¢Tabular reports. A DBMS has been known to be the most efficient productivity tool when it comes to keeping proper records and also fast and secure access to these records. . It allows the book room operator to enter the data or information for each student and provide reports that allow the data to be viewed in different forms. The reasons for using this tool to help solve the problem are that it comes with a wide array of features for data recollection; it is user friendly towards novice users and allows the most important data to be kept confidential. The swipe card is used because of its speed capabilities. The information would be kept on the cards and the students could swipe and go. The book room operator would be able to update the records of the student after the child has swiped the card. In terms of security each student would have their own password to access the card. 6 Both of these tools would be able to solve the problem. The DBMS would keep, store and present the data on the student in tables, forms and queries. The swipe cards would be used as the access point for the data, because the data cannot be accessed without the card and the password. This allows secure confidentiality of the data. 7 Assessment of the Implication of the solution In today’s world every problem solving process requires an assessment of the issues that may arise throughout the implementation of the project. With the implementation of the electronic swipe cards a number of issues are expected to arise. One such issue that is expected to arise is the impact that it will have on the students and the book room operator. The implementation of the system will not result in the operator losing his/her job but will require that he/she obtain some form of training as to how to operate the new system. Due to the upgrading of the technology in the book oom, the operator will have to guide the students as to how to use the system. Another impact is the smooth service that will be present once the problem has been eliminated. This would be classified as a positive impact on the service when using the book room. This proves that the use of a new database management system has helped to solve the problem an d it would encourage persons to use the system more often. The new system can be upgraded, it has sufficient security features and in order to prevent the same problem from occurring again, the school has to update the technology in the book room frequently. One such issue that is expected to arise is the cost benefits of the program. Cost is one of the most important factors to consider. If there is no money to fund the project then the implementation of the solution will not be able to take place. It will cost the school a reasonable amount of money, but a way in which we could counteract this issue is to charge the student’s a small fee (about $1,000) which would be allocated for in the student’s development fund. 8 For instance, it is estimated that if the book room continues to operate daily using the same old system than just buying a new system and the tools needed, it would cost more. Another impact is the technological value that it would have on the school. This improvement in the technology would encourage the school to upgrade other technological devices after realizing what a wonderful investment they had made in the elimination of the slow service at the book room. This would also help the entire school to become technologically developed. These assessments of the implication of the swipe card system in the book room will help to ensure that the school be advised on how to deal with future related problems in the book room. 9 [pic] 10 Implementation of the solution Open file on CD [pic] Open database solutions 11 [pic] Open a table [pic] Open a query 12 [pic] Select a form [pic] Selecting switchboard 13 [pic] Select â€Å"7th grade† on switchboard to edit or view the 7th grade file 14 [pic] 15 16 APPENDIX 1 Questionnaire This questionnaire will be used to identify any problems encountered with the Book Room. This study is being conducted for an Information Technology Internal Assessment currently being done. Please answer the questions honestly and the information collected will be kept confidential. . What is your gender? Male Female 2. What is your present status at the school? Student Administrative worker Auxiliary worker Other _________________ Please Specify 3. How long have you been at Meadowbrook High School? Less than 1 year 1-2 years 3-4 years Over 4 years 4. During your time at Meadowbrook have you ever experienced any problems with the Book Room? Yes No Not sure 17 5. If yes, select the problem encountered where possible? Slow service Lack of computer devices Malfunctioning of devices Lack of computer software Other _________________ Please Specify 6. What do you think may be the cause of these problems? Lack of money Use of outdated software Use of old computer devices Bookkeeper is a novice Other _________________ Please Specify 7. Do you think the school is doing enough to rectify these problems? Yes No To some extent 8. Select one measure that could rectify these problems? Implementing the use of Voice Command devices Implementing the use of swipe cards Installing new computer softwares Purchase new barcode readers Other _________________ Please Specify 18 9. Do you believe that the measure suggested in question 8 could work? Yes No Not sure 10. Give reason for your answer? 11. What are the benefits of implementing the solution selected in question 8? Faster and smoother service Improvement in Technology Confidentiality of records Other ________________ Please specify THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! 19 APPENDIX 3 Interview This interview will be conducted to identify any problems encountered with the Book Room. Below are the questions that shall be asked. Information collected shall be kept confidential. 1. Are there any problems encountered during the day to day running of the Book Room? 2. Name a few problems encountered by students during the operation of the Book Room? 3. Why do these problems tend to exist? 4. Does the lack of monetary funds help to contribute to these problems? 5. What are some of the resources used by the Book Room? 6. Does the school’s budget cover the various resources or materials needed for the running of the Book Room? . Suggest a few solutions that could rectify these problems? 20 APPENDIX 4 Interview The responses of one of the respondents: 1. ___________________________. 2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. 3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________. 4. ____________________________. 5. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. 6. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. 7. _____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1 APPENDIX 5 [pic] The pie chart above shows that 62% of the respondents were female and 38% were male. APPENDIX 6 [pic] The pie chart above shows that 45% of the respondents state that the main problem encountered at the book room is the slow service, 22% state that the lack of computer devices may be the problem, 20% state that the lack of computer software, 10% state tha t the malfunctioning of computer devices and 3% state that there are other problems other than the ones suggested. 22 APPENDIX 7 Observation Schedule . A particular student will be observed. 2. How long will it take the child to reach the front of the line? 3. How long will it take that child to get through once at the front of the line? 4. What is the attitude of the student during that time? 5. What is the attitude of the Book Room operator? Time of observation- 10:25a. m. To 11:20a. m. Date of observation- January 19, 2009 |Time |Schedule |Results | |10:25a. m. Observation of student begins |A boy was being observed | |10:25a. m. to 10:45a. m. |How long it took the boy to reach the |It took the boy 20 minutes | | |front | | |10:45a. m. to 10:52a. m. |How long it took the boy to get through |It took the boy 7 minutes | | |once at front | | |10:45a. . to 10:52a. m. |Boy’s attitude at that time during the |His attitude was moderate seeing that he | | |slow service |was s omewhat patient and at the same time| | | |wanting to get through promptly | |10:45a. m. to 10:52a. m |Attitude of book room operator |She was miserable and frustrated | 23 ———————– [pic] How to cite Information Technology Ia, Essay examples

Theme In Antigone Essay Research Paper Antigone free essay sample

Subject In Antigone Essay, Research Paper Antigone, by Sophocles, is a drama that has three major subjects. All three of these subjects play a really of import portion in this drama. The three major subjects are fate, love, and pride. Oedipus had killed his male parent, male monarch of Thebes, non cognizing it was his male parent and so took over Thebes. He married Iocaste, queen of Thebes ( his female parent ) , and had four kids ; one was a miss named Antigone. When Oedipus had figured out who he was and what he had done he moved off and cut out his eyes. Iocaste # 8217 ; s cousin, Creon, had taken over as male monarch of Thebes. He had made Oedipus # 8217 ; two boies, Eteocles and Polyneices, enemies of each other and they killed each other. Creon denied Polyneices proper entombment because he was an enemy and that where this drama begins.Fate is what had gotten the household of Oedipus where we get down this drama. We will write a custom essay sample on Theme In Antigone Essay Research Paper Antigone or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Fate is why Oedipus had killed his male parent, get married his female parent, and so happen out all about it. Fate so tortured Oedipus and he cut out his eyes. Fate had made Creon new male monarch of Thebes and so hold Oedipus # 8217 ; boies kill each other. Antigone # 8217 ; s destiny was to decease seeking to honour her dead brother and be loyal her household. In the first paragraph of the drama it reads, # 8220 ; My darling sister Ismene, we have had a all right heritage from Oedipus. God has gone through the whole scope of agonies and piled them all on us, -grief upon heartache, humiliation upon humili ation†. This tells just how bad fate had treated the family of Oedipus. Creon’s fate though was to lose all of his family and live the rest of his life knowing it was his entire fault. In the end of the play Creon says, † Nobody else to share the blame. Just me†¦ I killed you. I killed you my dear.Love is what had gotten Antigone in this problem. Her love for her brother was so great that she sacrificed her life for the respect that his deserved. Haemon’s love for Antigone had made him kill himself when he found her dead body. Creon’s wife’s love for Haemon had made her kill herself when she found out Haemon had killed himself. In the end because of all this Creon was the one that was denied love.Pride is what had gotten Creon in the mess that he was in. His pride was so great that he couldn’t even admit that maybe he was wrong. In a conversation with his son Haemon, Creon said, â€Å"Am I to stand here and be lectured to by a ki d? A man of my experience!† This just showed his pride stood in the way of even listening to his own son. Creon’s pride got in the way and because of his pride he ended up losing every thing that he loved.In the end all of these themes were a great benefactor in the outcome of this play, but one stands out as the greatest. Fate had made all of this happen. Fate had made everything happen just as it did. They say you can never change your fate, well after this I know it is true.

Teaching Listening and Speaking free essay sample

Share with us know your thoughts and your experiences in Teaching Listening and Speaking in your school. Candidly share your opinions on the following topics. 1. What are your best accomplishments in teaching these two skills to your students? 2. What are some of the challenges/problems you encountered in teaching this two skills? 3. What are your hopes and expectations of this course? Thank you Dr Lee Dear Doc, Thank you for posting these questions; frankly speaking I’ve already felt the burden and daunting task because of this new routine of becoming a student and a teacher at the same time. Anyway I’ll try my best to fulfil the task. Sorry if my answers are too long, I just can’t control the desire to write. 1. The pupils in SK Pulau Gaya especially in my class love imitating other and singing songs. They learn new language by imitating people who can impress and make them enjoy themselves whether in class or outside the class. We will write a custom essay sample on Teaching Listening and Speaking or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Learning through experiences and observing the pupils, I try to adapt a new approach rather than using the same old monotonous and boring method. Luckily I could play some musical instrument especially the guitar, so from that point, there’s no turning back. From a boring class. I managed to turn my class into becoming more lively and interactive. By singing songs, pupils are already engaging actively in listening and speaking process. Whereas, I sing the song first as they try to listen to the lyrics and afterwards they will try to sing it together. This process may sound cliche’ or maybe just ordinary but for me it worked like a charm. In addition, memorising words, phrases or sentences seemed to have some small impact for the pupil. If they like the song that they’ve heard then they will try their best to memorise the lyrics although it will take some time. From speaking the common Bajau, Suluk/Tausug or Sabahan Malay language, some of my pupils have shown their effort to speak in English and able to understand simple instruction and so forth. Although this cannot be considered as a best accomplishment but for me this is something meaningful and can be the catalyst for achieving better accomplishment in the future. 2. Coming from a school that is lacking of electricity, conducive teaching and learning surrounding, variety of resources and etc. Teaching Listening and speaking can be quite tough and intimidating.Not that I’m complaining, but it is a harsh reality that I’ve to live with. As a teacher, we’re being advice to be flexible and creative. Pupils of my school are largely speakers of native language such as Bajau and Suluk/Tausug language. 70 percent of them converse daily in their mother tongue, only a small portion of them are speaking Sabahan Malay. So logically saying, the pupils have to learn two more languages in addition to their own language. With limited resources, it’s quite challenging for the teacher to teach languages for the pupils here.If we are using useless, non-creative and non-practical approach in teaching Listening and Speaking to them than the same cycle will keep repeating, the pupils will never open their heart to learn new languages because they are not convinced enough that the languages such as English is fun and important to them. Still, some of them show eagerness to learn English but it all depends on the teachers to be proactive and emphasized more on Listening and Speaking that seemingly being neglected seriously which includes me. 3.

Rape Culture - Definition and Examples

Rape Culture s Rape culture is present in a society when rape and other forms of sexual violence are common and pervasive, when they are normalized and viewed as inevitable, and when they are trivialized by authority figures, the media and cultural products, and by the majority of members of the society. In a rape culture, the commonality and pervasive nature of sexual violence and rape is fueled by commonly held beliefs, values, and popular myths that encourage and excuse sexual violence committed by men and boys against women and girls. In this context, women and girls consistently experience intimidation and threats of sexual violence and actual sexual violence itself. Also, within a rape culture, the rape culture itself is largely unchallenged and not viewed as a problem by the majority. Sociologists recognize that rape culture is composed primarily of four things: 1. behaviors and practices, 2. the way we think about sex and rape, 3. the way we talk about sex and rape, and 4. cultural representations of sex and sexual assault. Just as whole societies can be described as rape cultures, so too can certain organizations and institutions, and types of institutions, like colleges and universities, prisons, and the military. History of the Term The term, rape culture, was popularized by feminist writers and activists in the U.S. during the 1970s. It first appeared in print in the book Rape: The First Sourcebook for Women, published in 1974, which was one of the first books to discuss rape from the standpoint of womens experiences. A film bearing the title Rape Culture premiered in 1975, and drew attention to how media and popular culture spread mainstream and erroneous beliefs about rape. Women, at the time, used this term to draw attention to the fact that rape and sexual violence were common crimes across the country- not rare or exceptional crimes committed by crazed or damaged individuals, as many believed. Elements of a Rape Culture Sociologists define culture as the values, beliefs, knowledge, behaviors, practices, and material goods that people share in common which help to unify them as a collective. Culture includes common sense beliefs, commonly held expectations and assumptions, rules, social roles, and norms. It also includes our language and how we communicate, and cultural products like music, art, film, television, and music videos, among other things. So, when sociologists consider what rape culture is, and when they study it, they look critically at all of these elements of culture and examine how they may contribute to the existence of a rape culture. Sociologists identify the following behaviors and practices, ideas, discourses, and cultural representations as part of rape culture. Others also exist. Behaviors and Practices Of course, the most consequential behaviors and practices that create a rape culture are acts of sexual assault, but there are others that also play significant roles in creating such a context. These include: Sexualized online harassment and bullyingHarassment and intimidation of, and threats made toward, women and girls, even those which are framed by the aggressor(s) as playful or a jokeDenying that rape is a widespread problemDiminishing or trivializing the trauma and violence of rape and sexual assaultVictim-blamingAccusing victims of lyingSexual objectification of women and girlsMen and boys talking/bragging about sexual assaultEquating masculinity with sexual dominanceRevenge porn, both independent of physical assault and post-assaultIgnoring the sexually violent crimes of celebritiesNeglect of untested rape kits and general non-prioritization of sexual assault among police forcesSupport for accused men and boys over concern for the welfare of victims Beliefs, Assumptions, Myths, and World Views Cultural expectation that men have to coerce women into having sex, and that women and girls want to be coercedBelief that men and boys are entitled to the bodies of women and girlsSocialization of girls that they have a duty to serve the demands of male sexualitySocialization of girls to expect sexual violence and aggressionBelief that discussion of sexual activity and affirmative consent are not sexyBelief that rape and sexual violence are the inevitable expressions of masculinityBelief that rape is an everyday occurrence that cannot be changedFear among victims and their families that they will be stigmatized and further traumatized by reporting the rapeBelief that rape is just rough sexWomen and girls provoke sexual assault with their behavior and dressIt is the responsibility of women to defend themselves and prevent rapeOnly bad men rape and only bad women are rapedThere is no such thing as intimate partner rapeWomen feel slut shame or regret after sex and cry rape Language and Discourse Language that minimizes rape and by calling it sexual intercourse, non-consensual sex, inappropriate behavior, or sexual misconductUsing terms like acquaintance rape or date rape and real rape to make false distinctions about the crime of rapeReferring to trafficked child rape victims as child prostitutes Representations of Rape in Cultural Products Rape jokes and memes that mock rapeThe use of rape as a plot point and for economic gain in film and televisionVideo games with rape scenariosSongs and music videos that glamorize sexual coercion, like Baby, Its Cold Outside and Robin Thickes Blurred Lines Notable Examples of Rape Culture One of the most notable and tragic recent examples of rape culture is the case of Brock Turner, who was convicted of three counts of sexual assault by  the State of California, after assaulting an unconscious woman on the Stanford University campus. Though the seriousness of the crimes for which Turner was convicted carried a possible sentence of up to 14 years in prison, prosecutors request six. The judge, however, sentenced Turner to just six months in county jail, of which he served just three. Media reporting on the case and popular discourse surrounding it were rife with evidence of rape culture. Turner was repeatedly depicted with a photo that showed him seated for a portrait, smiling while wearing a suit and tie, and was frequently described as a Stanford athlete. His father trivialized the brutal sexual assault his son committed in a letter to the court, referring to it as 20 minutes of action, and many, including the judge, suggested that a sentence appropriate to the crime would unjustly derail Turners athletic and academic promise. Meanwhile, the victim, never identified in court, was criticized for being intoxicated, and virtually no concern for her welfare, nor a desire for justice for the crimes perpetrated against her, were expressed in the mainstream press, by Turner, his defense team, or the sitting judge who decided the case. Other notable examples unfortunately abound, like the case of Kesha, who has been held legally obligated by a U.S. court to fulfill a record contract with her accused rapist/record producer, Dr. Luke, and the problem of heightened rates of sexual assault on college and university campuses across the U.S., as documented in the film The Hunting Ground. The election of President Donald Trump, a man repeatedly accused of sexual assault, and who has spoken frankly about sexually assaulting women- the now-infamous grab them by the p*ssy tape- is an example of how entrenched and normalized rape culture is in U.S. society. In 2017, a string of sexual assault accusations against powerful men in media, politics, and other industries has led to more and more conversations, on social media and elsewhere, about the pervasiveness of rape culture in our society.

How to Apply to the Senate Page Program

Have you ever considered taking some time away from your regular routine to pursue something new, exciting, and completely different? We probably all have, and while there are tons of opportunities that might fit the bill, few are feasible in terms of time commitment, academics, or financial concerns. But, for students interested in pursuing a career in politics, government, or law, there is one program that may address all of the concerns above. This program is offered both during the school year and during summer months, provides appropriate and rigorous academic course work during the school year, and actually pays you for the work you do. Oh, and it also comes with a ton of prestige and recognition. If this sounds like a good deal to you, read on to learn how you can apply to the Senate Page Program. The Senate Page Program is a fancy term for an official high school internship at the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C.. This program is offered only to high school juniors and provides the opportunity to work with actual senators and government leaders. Students in the Senate Page Program are sponsored by local senators and work for their sponsoring senator’s party in the U.S. Senate. Senate Pages are mostly messengers. They deliver messages and legislative materials to U.S. Senators, Congressmen, and other staff members at the Hart Senate Office Building. They also prepare the chambers for daily business and stand by for tasks while Congress is in session. While doing so, they gain important exposure in the fields of government and politics. The program is highly selective, with only 30 Senate Pages accepted each term.    There are four terms annually. One begins in the fall for four months, another begins in the spring for five months, and two shorter terms start at the beginning of each summer. During the school year, the Senate Page Program is a residential program. Pages live together in a dorm located two blocks from the Hart Senate Building. They take classes beginning at 6:15 AM daily and after classes, pages work while Senate is in session, typically from 10AM – 4PM, though sometimes much longer if Senate has not adjourned for the day. Pages are provided breakfast and dinner daily, and pay for their room and board out of the stipend they earn through working as a page. The stipend is generally modest, reportedly based off of a roughly $26,000 annual salary, and uniform costs are also taken from it. The summer term is slightly different. There is no academic component during summer months and pages are permitted to live with friends or relatives, rather than in the dorm. Dorm residency is still available for those who choose it. While enrolled in the program, students are held to exceptionally high standards for conduct and dress. Room inspections are conducted regularly and students should expect to spend 12-13 hours studying and working each day. It is a rigorous schedule and pages are required to have a doctor’s approval before beginning the program. Senate Pages must be in their junior year of high school. If you’re interested in the summer terms, you may be either a rising junior or a rising senior. You must be 16 or 17 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a student. In order to apply, you must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Pages are sponsored by individual senators. Each senator is usually given the chance to sponsor a page during only one term per year, and he or she generally alternates between male and female pages each year. Because you must apply through a senator, the exact application process and selection criteria vary. Many senators provide more precise information on their websites. Most senators will only sponsor students from the state they represent, but this is not the case for all senators. If you need to apply for a specific term and your senator is not sponsoring a page that term, you should not discount the opportunity. Instead, research nearby states to see if their senators sponsor out-of-state students. If you can’t find the information you need, call their office directly and ask. Our Early Advising Program helps students in 9th and 10th grade discover their passions and build strong academic and extracurricular profiles to succeed in high school. Because you apply for sponsorship directly through a senator, the application process varies by office. In most cases, you submit an initial application along with a resume and several written recommendations. In some cases you also need to submit a transcript and write an essay. If you advance past the first round, you will likely be invited for a series of interviews. The program is extremely competitive, so if you make it to the interview phase, be sure to practice ahead of time and arrive on time and dressed professionally.   Due to the competitive nature of the program, you will need to leverage every advantage that you can to your favor. It is politics, after all. For this reason, try to find personal and professional connections that will give you a leg above the rest. Some senators might require that you submit at least one recommendation from a teacher, adviser, or head of school. If this is the case, choose the most established professional who knows you well. If you have a good relationship with your head of school and you believe that he or she can speak specifically to your strengths, go ahead and ask for a recommendation. If, however, you aren’t sure that your head of school even knows who you are, work your way down the line of command until you find someone who knows you well. Another strong recommendation should come from a teacher who has instructed you in a related content area. This could be your AP U.S. Government teacher, your Mock Trial adviser, or another teacher who knows your abilities well. If you are asked for more than two recommendations, try to find someone who is well-connected and has political ties to supply the third. This is the time to call your uncle’s college roommate to arrange a lunch meeting, or hit up your best friend’s mother’s cousin for a coffee date. While these people may not know you very well, if they are connected politically, their word might carry much more weight than someone else’s. Although it is a general rule of thumb that you should not seek recommendations from people who do not know you well, if your senator seeks more than two recommendations, it is not a bad idea to try to find someone with political ties to supply the third recommendation. Don’t blindly ask for a recommendation from someone who hasn’t seen you since you were in diapers, though. Instead, arrange a time to meet together to discuss your plans and ambitions. When you do so, be not only honest about your intentions but also upfront about your qualifications. Your job is to clearly articulate to this person why you are qualified and deserving of becoming a Senate Page. If you can convince this person that you’re a worthy candidate, he or she might be able to convince your sponsoring senator. Also, keep in mind the weight of the favor this person is lending you. Be extremely gracious and make sure that you arrive early so that you don’t keep anyone waiting. Ask for advice and do as much listening as you do talking. Even if you don’t end up becoming a Senate Page, this person could be a valuable mentor if you intend to pursue a career in government or politics.   The Senate Page Program is one of the most competitive high school programs in the country. Each term, only 30 pages are selected nationally. Of these, 15 are males and 15 are females. It’s unknown exactly how many students apply each year, since all applicants go through a sponsoring senator, but it’s safe to say that only a tiny proportion of applicants go on to become Senate Pages. Also, remember that there are some factors that will impact your chances of becoming a page that are outside of your control. Like anything in politics, connections play an important role in identifying top candidates. Further, because the number of page roles is fewer than the number of senators, senior senators are more likely to successfully appoint a page and even then, senators may only sponsor one page per year.       Just because you don’t have any connections doesn’t mean you can’t become a Senate Page. It is completely possible to make your own connections as an involved high school student. If you’re interested in government or politics and you know that you want to become a Senate Page, start working towards it early in your high school career. You might volunteer in local government or politics. Get involved with your district representative or, during an election year, work on a political campaign. Some local government offices also have page programs that may serve as a good entry point for you. You can create meaningful connections through your own prolonged involvement in local and regional politics and government. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in politics or government but want some more guidance and insight into the process, consider ’s Mentoring Program , which provides practical advice on topics from high school activities and college applications to career aspirations, all from successful college students who have been in your shoes.

Strategic Management of Quest Diagnostics Essay

Strategic Management of Quest Diagnostics - Essay Example Ideally, the diagnosis is established with beyond a reasonable doubt certainty, but substantial uncertainty or frank diagnostic error can afflict the diagnostic process for a variety of reasons. Many of these diagnostic problems are explained by failures of decision-making. Their main strategic approach, competency, and challenges are explained herewith. Quest Diagnostics is the nation’s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services. They are the largest providers of global central laboratory services performed in connection with clinical research trials on new drugs and these trials assess the safety and efficiency of these new drugs. Quest Diagnostics operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year providing their customers with a comprehensive menu of routine and specialty laboratory tests and services. Their major services include laboratory health care services, featured lab tests, online services and medical research etc. In New York City by 1967 Dr. Paul Brown launched the clinical laboratory industry with his vision to offer the high quality, highly automated and cost-effective clinical testing. Corning Incorporated purchased Met Path in 1982 and continued to build the company. The business continued to expand and additional companies were acquired, including Damon in 1993, Maryland Medical Laboratory in 1994 and Bioran in 1994. Also in 1994, Corning acquired Nichols Institute, world-renowned for esoteric testing. On December 31, 1996, Corning Incorporated spun off the laboratory testing business to its shareholders, establishing Quest Diagnostics as an independent company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the Symbol "DGX.†. The acquisition enabled the company to enter into a testing related business, providing services to the life insurance industry.

Construction Materials Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Construction Materials - Assignment Example 1.1. Social Buildings have to comply with social considerations of sustainability so that they must provide safe, comfortable and healthy interiors. In order to meet these objectives the major considerations are ensuring structural integrity, dealing with vibration levels, adequate weather protection, fire resistance and acoustic performance. 1.2. Economic Economic considerations play a major and often deciding role in determining what kinds of materials to use for construction purposes. The major considerations are that buildings ought to be durable, reusable, require low maintenance and energy efficient. These considerations need to be satisfied both during the building phase as well as during the operation phase. Some other considerations include the construction costs, net lettable area, building reuse value, construction programmes and whole of life value. 1.3. Environmental Environmental considerations mandate that buildings ought to be constructed in a manner that their whole- of-life energy use as well as their greenhouse gas emissions produce a small ecological footprint. The major considerations are the life cycle assessment (LCA), cooling of urban areas, thermal mass and recycling. Appendix ‘A’ shows the mutually common area that social, environmental and economic factors share to produce a truly sustainable design. 2. Sustainability of Current Lecture Centre Building Concrete has been in extensive use around the globe as a preferred construction material for residential and commercial applications alike (Goodchild, 1997). When put in perspective of sustainability, concrete has a number of advantages to offer including (but not limited to) economic considerations, durability, acoustic performance, recyclability, thermal mass, fire resistance and adaptability. The factors listed above can be optimised to achieve maximised sustainability from concrete construction based on construction techniques and other considerations. The current Lectur e Centre Building at Brunel University is made out of concrete in large part and offers a sustainable outlook based on social, economic and environmental considerations. These are discussed below in detail. 2.1. Social Concrete buildings are able to offer structural integrity along with structural requirements that are well understood by designers and builders alike. This leads to the construction of safer structures that are able to stand up to risks such as snow, earthquakes, wind base loading etc. The large mass involved in concrete construction ensures that these structures provide excellent damping characteristics that are required for minimising vibration. In addition, concrete provides exceptional fire resistance given that it does not burn at all and does not emit toxic fumes when exposed to fire (Ching, 1995). For most cases concrete structures can be described as fire proof. Similarly, concrete structures are able to offer excellent acoustic damping characteristics as well which mandates the lowest possible use of insulation materials. 2.2. Economic Concrete buildings are the most economical solution when it comes to multi-storey buildings (please see Appendix ‘C’ for a comparison). The large amount of benefits that are provided by concrete such as fire resistance, large thermal mass and durability ensure that concrete buildings have lower operating costs and maintenance requirements. Building reuse is also more common for concrete structure for example

Information Systems and Information Technology Essay Example for Free

Information Systems and Information Technology Essay A combination of hardware, software, infrastructure and trained personnel organized to facilitate planning, control, coordination, and decision making in an organisation Contrast IS and IT: What is the difference between Information Systems and Information Technology? In: Computer Terminology, Technology, Information Technology[Edit categories] Answer: Information Systems is a large umbrella referring to systems designed to create, store, manipulate, or disseminate information. Example of an information system is a pencil and a piece of paper. The two objects themselves are just tools, but together they create a system for writing (information). The term Information systems has been around a lot longer than the computer, or the term information technology. These days the two are sometimes thought to be synonymous, but that, in most cases is a misconception. Information technology falls under the information systems umbrella, but has nothing to do with systems per say. IT deals with the technology involved in the systems themselves, e.g. an information system like wiki.answers.com contains many information technologies. Servers, server operating systems, web-server software (IIS, Apache, et al), and code written for the web-server software (PHP, C#, VB, PERL, Ruby, et al). Even your computer and browser make up part of this information system. Like the pencil and paper example, each one of the mentioned parts of this information system in itself is an information technology. That being said, most people in the profession no longer make a distinction. Moreover, companies call their IS/IT department a wide range of titles based on more on culture and tradition than anything else. Assist With Business Processes Information systems aid businesses in developing a larger number of value  added-systems in the company. For example, a company can integrate information systems with the manufacturing cycle to ensure that the output it produces complies with the requirements of the various quality management standards. Adoption of information systems simplifies business processes and removes unnecessary activities. Information systems add controls to employee processes, ensuring that only users with the applicable rights can perform certain tasks. Further, information systems eliminate repetitive tasks and increase accuracy, allowing employees to concentrate on more high-level functions. Information systems can also lead to better project planning and implementation through effective monitoring and comparison against established criteria.

Summer at the Cabin :: Descriptive Essay About A Place

Summer at the Cabin The cabin was built in the 1950's when my Great Grandpa rode up there, and it looks like not many repairs have been made since that time. The cabin is about 15 feet by 20 feet, and is made out of pine logs. There are places where you can see between the logs because the chinking is falling out. The cabin faces to the east. It has a small porch that was made by leaving the first four logs of the cabin about six feet longer than the rest. There is a small set of corrals in front of the cabin. There is an old shed to the north of the cabin, and the outhouse is behind it. The porch has a hole in it where a horse stepped through it when someone forgot to put the chain across the doorway. In the rafters hang old horseshoes that we tack on when one of our horses loses a shoe. Half the porch is cluttered with tools, shovels jacks, chains, shoeing equipment and an axe. The other half is full of firewood. The only electric thing in the cabin is the phone. Propane or wood runs everything else. There is only one propane light in the cabin. To light the rest we use Coleman lanterns. There isn't any running water in the cabin so we have to haul water. The floor to the cabin is made out of scrap lumber. It used to be rough, but has been worn smooth with time. There are places where it has rotted out and has been patched. There are also places that have been burned by sparks from the two stoves, and people spilling the ashes. Inside the cabin, behind the door, is a long bench we stack pop, canned stew, and many other things on. In the corner is the dog food, which we keep inside so the squirrels and birds don't get it. However that doesn't stop the mice. At night you can hear them run across the floor and into the sack. We trapped mice for three weeks before we stopped hearing them at night. A large hand made table is pushed against the left wall of the cabin. This is where we eat and play cards. I also sleep under the table at night because it is the only open space. At each end of the table is a homemade chair, and for the length of the table is an old bench.

Impact of Internet Marketing Globally Essay

Internet marketing. Refers to advertising and marketing efforts that uses the web and emails to drive direct sale via commerce. 14 years ago J. A. Quelch and L. R. Klein described in their article The Internet and internal marketing, (Quelch and Klein, 1996) how the development of the internet could affect global markets, new products development, market research process and other aspects of international marketing. However both the pace of internet development have exceeded expectations, in fact the internet have influenced the entire supply chain, new virtual communities were establish changing the way companies and distribution aspects. New pricing and value adding models transformed the traditional approach to the revenue model. This report will examine the impact of the internet development on internal marketing; the focus of the research is on two aspects of marketing; marketing research and promotion. The Positive impacts of internet marketing globally. New opportunities for global marketing; Development of internet has opened up new opportunities for international marketers in many areas such as new innovative products development, reaching greater number of potential clients, creating new value to consumers. Online advertising is an advantage because it reaches to thousands of consumers at a fraction of the cost, according to (Lee & carter, 2009); by 2012 over 1.7 million people all over world will use the internet at least once per month. Internet is a rich source of valuable data for marketers most of which can be collected effortlessly by consumer online browsing patterns. Through online advertising international marketers can reach the consumers at a price significantly lower than printed media or TV, also online advertisement and promotion are accessible for a longer period of time compared to advertising through traditional media. Marketers are able to target potential consumers directly eliminating advertising intermediaries which leads to reduced cost. The internet gives worldwide customer service where they get a 24/7 online customer support every day of the year. Interactive features of the internet takes building customer relationship to a higher level than it was possible before therefore internet proves to be fast and flexible communication channel. Understanding global consumers; the internet is an effective tool for conducting global market research where new product concept can be feted over the internet to receive feedback, as in the case of UGOBE toy inventor (Meerman Scott, 2007, P.128). As a result of online survey the company was able not only to define its target audience and develop effective promotional strategy but also adds several attractive features such as software development kit for consumers interested in hacking the toy. This example proves that online surveys are a powerful primary research method. Negative impact of internet marketing on global market Today a massive amount of business is done over the internet including buying, selling, paying taxes; household purchases can be done online, often a substantial serving. In certain fields or situation, the internet is simply bad for business.Internet brings new competitors to many areas of business which is a challenge to online sellers therefore hard to retain customers. Quelch and Klein (1996) states that the internet will make it easier for small companies compete online worldwide due to; advertising cost that is reduced because of internet, advertising efficiency according to the customers need. It has also led to certain products becoming obsolete in digital age, including stock brokers, travel agents and even the post office. They have been largely replaced by stock websites, travel websites and e-mail, respectively. Online business require security and confidentiality which has a high cost of ensuring that the transaction are safe and that customers will feel comfortable to conduct business online, there is major security threats such as hackers , viruses, and e-terrorism mean that providing security only is an added expenditure. Internet has also led to loss of productivity due to employees using the internet at work; they spent most time replying to their personal e-mails, following live sporting event and surfing. Globally internet is a disadvantage because not everyone has an e-mail especially in developing countries, also online respondents anonymity is guarded less in comparison with traditional mail surveys.

Foundation’s Edge CHAPTER SIXTEEN CONVERGENCE

CONVERGENCE When Stor Gendibal finally made out Compor's ship on his viewscreen, it seemed like the end of an incredibly long journey. Yet, of course, it was not the end, but merely the beginning. The journey from Trantor to Sayshell had been nothing but prologue. Novi looked awed. â€Å"Is that another ship of space, Master?† â€Å"Spaceship, Novi. It is. It's the one we have been striving to reach. It is a larger ship than this one – and a better one. It can move through space so quickly that if it fled from us, this ship could not possibly catch it – or even follow it.† â€Å"Faster than a ship of the masters?† Sura Novi seemed appalled by the thought. Gendibal shrugged. â€Å"I may be, as you say, a master, but I am not a master in all things. We scholars do not have ships like these, nor do we have many of the material devices that the owners of those ships have.† â€Å"But how can scholars lack such things, Master?† â€Å"Because we are masters in what is important. The material advances that these others have are trifles.† Novi's brows bent together in thought. â€Å"It seems to me that to go so quickly that a master cannot follow is no trifle. Who are these people who are wonder – having – who have such things?† Gendibal was amused. â€Å"They call themselves the Foundation. Have you ever heard of the Foundation?† (He caught himself wondering what the Hamish knew or did not know of the Galaxy and why it never occurred to the Speakers to wonder about such things. – Or was it only he who had never wondered about such things – only he who assumed that the Hamish cared for nothing more than grubbing in the soil.) Novi shook her head thoughtfully. â€Å"I have never heard of it, Master. When the schoolmaster taught me letter-lore – how to read, I mean – he told me there were many other worlds and told me the names of some. He said our Hamish world had the proper name of Trantor and that it once ruled all the worlds. He said Trantor was covered with gleaming iron and had an Emperor who was an allmaster.† Her eyes looked up at Gendibal with a shy merriment. â€Å"I unbelieve most of it, though. There are many stories the wordspinners tell in the meeting-halls in the time of longer nights. When I was a small girl, I believed them all, but as I grew older, I found that many of them were not true. I believe very few now; perhaps none. Even schoolmasters tell unbelievables.† â€Å"Just the same, Novi, that particular story of the schoolmaster is true – but it was long ago. Trantor was indeed covered by metal and had indeed an Emperor who ruled all the Galaxy. Now, however, it is the people of the Foundation who will someday rule all the worlds. They grow stronger all the time.† â€Å"They will rule all, Master?† â€Å"Not immediately. In five hundred years.† â€Å"And they will master the masters as well?† â€Å"No, no. They will rule the worlds. We will rule them – for their safety and the safety of all the worlds.† Novi was frowning again. She said, â€Å"Master, do these people of the Foundation have many of these remarkable ships?† â€Å"I imagine so, Novi.† â€Å"And other things that are very-astonishing?† â€Å"They have powerful weapons of all kinds.† â€Å"Then, Master, can they not take all the worlds now?† â€Å"No, they cannot. It is not yet time.† â€Å"But why can they not? Would the masters stop them?† â€Å"We wouldn't have to, Novi. Even if we did nothing, they could not take all the worlds.† â€Å"But what would stop them?† â€Å"You see,† began Gendibal, â€Å"there is a plan that a wise man once devised†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stopped, smiled slightly, and shook his head. â€Å"It is hard to explain, Novi. Another time, perhaps. In fact, when you see what will happen before we ever see Trantor again, you may even understand without my explaining.† â€Å"What will happen, Master?† â€Å"I am not sure, Novi. But all will happen well.† He turned away and prepared to make contact with Compor. And, as he did so, he could not quite keep an inner thought from saying: At least I hope so. He was instantly angry with himself, for he knew the source of that foolish and weakening drift of thought. It was the picture of the elaborate and enormous Foundation might in the shape of Compor's ship and it was his chagrin at Novi's open admiration of it. Stupid! How could he let himself compare the possession of mere strength and power with the possession of the ability to guide events? It was what generations of Speakers had called â€Å"the fallacy of the hand at the throat.† To think that he was not yet immune to its allures. Munn Li Compor was not in the least sure as to how he ought to comport himself. For most of his life, he had had the vision of allpowerful Speakers existing just beyond his circle of experience, Speakers, with whom he was occasionally in contact and who had, in their mysterious grip, the whole of humanity. Of them all, it had been Stor Gendibal to whom, in recent years, he had turned for direction. It was not even a voice he had encountered most times, but a mere presence in his mind-hyperspeech without a hyper-relay. In this respect, the Second Foundation had gone far beyond the Foundation. Without material device, but just by the educated and advanced power of the mind alone, they could reach across the par. sees in a manner that could not be tapped, could not be infringed upon. It was an invisible, indetectable network that held all the worlds fast through the mediation of a relatively few dedicated individuals. Compor had, more than once, experienced a kind of uplifting at the thought of his role. How small the band of which he was one; how enormous an influence they exerted. – And how secret it all was. Even his wife knew nothing of his hidden life. And it was the Speakers who held the strings – and this one Speaker, this Gendibal, who might (Compor thought) be the next First Speaker, the more-than-Emperor of a more-than-Empire. Now Gendibal was here, in a ship of Trantor, and Compor fought to stifle his disappointment at not having such a meeting take place on Trantor itself. Could that be a ship of Trantor? Any of the early Traders who had carried the Foundation's wares through a hostile Galaxy would have had a better ship than that. No wonder it had taken the Speaker so long to cover the distance from Trantor to Sayshell. It was not even equipped with a unidock mechanism that would have welded the two ships into one when the crosstransfer of personnel was desired. Even the contemptible Sayshellian fleet was equipped with it. Instead, the Speaker had to match velocities and then cast a tether across the gap and swing along it, as in Imperial days. That was it, thought Compor gloomily, unable to repress the feeling. The ship was no more than an old-fashioned Imperial vessel and a small one at that. Two figures were moving across the tether – one of them so clumsily that it was clear it had never attempted to maneuver through space before. – Finally they were on board and removed their space suits. Speaker Stor Gendibal was of moderate height and of unimpressive appearance; he was not large and powerful, nor did he exude an air of learning. His dark, deep-set eyes were the only indication of his wisdom. But now the Speaker looked about with a clear indication of being in awe himself. The other was a woman as tall as Gendibal, plain in appearance. Her mouth was open in astonishment as she looked about. Moving across the tether had not been an entirely unpleasant experience for Gendibal. He was not a spaceman – no Second Foundationer was – but neither was he a complete surface worm, for no Second Foundationer was allowed to be that. The possible need for space flight was, after all, always looming above them, though every Second Foundationer hoped the need would arise only infrequently. (Preem Palver – the extent of whose space travels was legendary – had once said, ruefully, that the measure of the success of a Speaker was the fewness of the times he was compelled to move through space in order to assure the success of the Plan.) Gendibal had had to use a tether three times before. This was his fourth use and even if he had felt tension over the matter, it would have disappeared in his concern for Sura Novi. He needed no mentalics to see that stepping into nothingness had totally upset her. â€Å"I be afeared, Master,† she said when he explained what would have to be done. â€Å"It be naughtness into which I will make footstep.† If nothing else, her sudden descent into thick Hamish dialect showed the extent of her disturbance. Gendibal said gently, â€Å"I cannot leave you on board this ship, Novi, for I will be going into the other and I must have you with me. There is no danger, for your space suit will protect you from all harm and there is no place for you to fall to. Even if you lose your grip on the tether, you will remain nearly where you are and I will be within arm's reach so that I can gather you in. Come, Novi, show me that you are brave enough – as well as bright enough – to become a scholar.† She made no further objection and Gendibal, unwilling to do anything that might disturb the smoothness of her mind-set, nevertheless managed to inject a soothing touch upon the surface of her mind. â€Å"You can still speak to me,† he said, after they were each enclosed in a space suit. â€Å"I can hear you if you think hard. Think the words hard and clearly, one by one. You can hear me now, can't you?† â€Å"Yes, Master,† she said. He could see her lips move through the transparent faceplate and he said, â€Å"Say it without moving your lips, Novi. There is no radio in the kind of suits that scholars have. it is all done with the mind.† Her lips did not move and her look grew more anxious: Can you hear me, Master? Perfectly well, thought Gendibal – and his lips did not move either: Do you hear me? I do, Master. Then come with me and do as I do. They moved across. Gendibal knew the theory of it, even if he could handle the practice only moderately well. The trick was to keep one's legs extended and together and to swing them from the hips alone. That kept the center of gravity moving in a straight line as the arms swung forward in steady alternation. He had explained this to Sura Novi and, without turning to look at her, he studied the stance of her body from the set of the motor areas of her brain. For a first-timer, she did very well, almost as well as Gendibal was managing to do. She repressed her own tensions and she followed directions. Gendibal found himself, once again, very pleased with her. She was, however, clearly glad to be on board ship again – and so was Gendibal. He looked about as he removed his space suit and was rather dumbfounded at the luxury and style of the equipment. He recognized almost nothing and his heart sank at the thought that he might have very little time to learn how to handle it all. He might have to transfer expertise directly from the man already on board, something that was never quite as satisfactory as true learning. Then he concentrated on Compor. Compor was tall and lean, a few years older than himself, rather handsome in a slightly weak way, with tightly waved hair of a startling buttery yellow. And it was clear to Gendibal that this person was disappointed in, and even contemptuous of, the Speaker he was now meeting for the first time. What was more, he was entirely unsuccessful in hiding the fact. Gendibal did not mind such things, on the whole. Compor was not a Trantorian – nor a full Second Foundationer – and he clearly had his illusions. Even the most superficial scan of his mind showed that. Among these was the illusion that true power was necessarily related to the appearance of power. He might, of course, keep his illusions as long as they did not interfere with what Gendibal needed, but at the present moment, this particular illusion did so interfere. What Gendibal did was the mentalic equivalent of a snap of the fingers. Compor staggered slightly under the impress of a sharp but fleeting pain. There was an impress of enforced concentration that puckered the skin of his thought and left the man with the awareness of a casual but awesome power that could be utilized if the Speaker chose. Compor was left with a vast respect for Gendibal. Gendibal said pleasantly, â€Å"I am merely attracting your attention, Compor, my friend. Please let me know the present whereabouts of your friend, Golan Trevize, and his friend, Janov Pelorat.† Compor said hesitantly, â€Å"Shall I speak in the presence of the woman, Speaker?† â€Å"The woman, Compor, is an extension of myself. There is no reason, therefore, why you should not speak openly.† â€Å"As you say, Speaker. Trevize and Pelorat are now approaching a planet known as Gaia.† â€Å"So you said in your last communication the other day. Surely they have already landed on Gaia and perhaps left again. They did not stay long on Sayshell Planet.† â€Å"They had not yet landed during the time I followed them, Speaker. They were approaching the planet with great caution, pausing substantial periods between micro-Jumps. it is clear to me they have no information about the planet they are approaching and therefore hesitate.† â€Å"Do you have information, Compor?† â€Å"I have none, Speaker,† said Compor, â€Å"or at least my ship's computer has none.† â€Å"This computer?† Gendibal's eyes fell upon the control panel and he asked in sudden hope, â€Å"Can it aid usefully in running the ship?† â€Å"It can run the ship completely, Speaker. One need merely think into it.† Gendibal felt suddenly uneasy. â€Å"The Foundation has gone that far?† â€Å"Yes, but clumsily. The computer does not work well. I must repeat my thoughts several times and even then I get but minimal information.† Gendibal said, â€Å"I may be able to do better than that.† â€Å"I am sure of it, Speaker,† said Compor respectfully. â€Å"But never mind that for the moment. Why does it have no information on Gaia?† â€Å"I do not know, Speaker. It claims to have – as far as a computer may be said to be able to claim – records on every human – inhabited planet in the Galaxy.† â€Å"It cannot have more information than has been fed into it and if those who did the feeding thought they had records of all such planets when, in actual fact, they had not, then the computer would labor under the same misapprehension. Correct?† â€Å"Certainly, Speaker.† â€Å"Did you inquire at Sayshell?† â€Å"Speaker,† said Compor uneasily, â€Å"there are people who speak of Gaia on Sayshell, but what they say is valueless. Clearly superstition. The tale they tell is that Gaia is a powerful world that held off even the Mule.† â€Å"Is that what they say, indeed?† said Gendibal, suppressing excitement. â€Å"Were you so sure that this was superstition that you asked for no details?† â€Å"No, Speaker. I asked a great deal, but what I have just told you is all that anyone can say. They can speak on the subject at great length, but when they have done so, all that it boils down to is what I have just said.† â€Å"Apparently,† said Gendibal, â€Å"that is what Trevize has heard, too, and he goes to Gaia for some reason connected with that – to tap this great power, perhaps. And he does so cautiously, for perhaps he also fears this great power.† â€Å"That is certainly possible, Speaker.† â€Å"And yet you did not follow?† â€Å"I did follow, Speaker, long enough to make sure he was indeed making for Gaia. I then returned here to the outskirts of the Gaian system.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Three reasons, Speaker. First, you were about to arrive and I wanted to meet you at least partway and bring you aboard at the earliest moment, as you had directed. Since my ship has a hyperrelay on board, I could not move too far away from Trevize and Pelorat without rousing suspicion on Terminus, but I judged I could risk moving this far. Second, when it was clear that Trevize was approaching Gaia Planet very slowly, I judged there would be time enough for me to move toward you and hasten our meeting without being overtaken by events, especially since you would be more competent than I to follow him to the planet itself and to handle any emergency that might arise.† â€Å"Quite true. And the third reason?† â€Å"Since our last communication, Speaker, something has happened that I did not expect and do not understand. I felt that – for that reason, too – I had better hasten our meeting as soon as I dared.† â€Å"And this event that you did not expect and do not understand?† â€Å"Ships of the Foundation fleet are approaching the Sayshellian frontier. My computer has picked up this information from Sayshellian news broadcasts. At least five advanced ships are in the flotilla and these have enough power to overwhelm Sayshell.† Gendibal did not answer at once, for it would not do to show that he had not expected such a move – or that he didn't understand it. So, after a moment, he said negligently, â€Å"Do you suppose that this has something to do with Trevize's movement toward Gaia?† â€Å"It certainly came immediately afterward – and if B follows A, then there is at least a possibility that A caused B,† said Compor. â€Å"Well then, it seems we all converge upon Gaia – Trevize, and I, and the First Foundation. – Come, you acted well, Compor,† said Gendibal, â€Å"and here is what we will now do. First, you will show me how this computer works and, through that, how the ship may be handled. I am sure that will not take long. â€Å"After that, you will get into my ship, since by then I will have impressed on your mind how to handle it. You will have no trouble maneuvering it, although I must tell you (as you have no doubt guessed from its appearance) that you will find it primitive indeed. Once you are in control of the ship, you will keep it here and wait for me.† â€Å"How long, Speaker?† â€Å"Until I come for you. I do not expect to be gone long enough for you to be in danger of running out of supplies, but if I am unduly delayed, you may find your way to some inhabited planet of the Sayshell Union and wait there. Wherever you are, I will find you.† â€Å"As you say, Speaker.† â€Å"And do not be alarmed. I can handle this mysterious Gaia and, if need be, the five ships of the Foundation as well.† Littoral Thoobing had been the Foundation's Ambassador to Sayshell for seven years. He rather liked the position. Tall and rather stout, he wore a thick brown mustache at a time when the predominant fashion, both in the Foundation and in Sayshell, was smooth-shaven. He had a strongly lined countenance, though he was only fifty-four – and was much given to a schooled indifference. His attitude toward his work was not easily seen. Still, he rather liked the position. It kept him away from the hurly-burly of polities on Terminus – something he appreciated and it gave him the chance to live the life of a Sayshellian sybarite and to support his wife and daughter in the style to which they had become addicted. He didn't want his life disturbed. On the other hand, he rather disliked Liono Kodell, perhaps because Kodell also sported a mustache, though one which was smaller, shorter, and grayish-white. In the old days, they had been the only two people in prominent public life who had worn one and there had been rather a competition between them over the matter. Now (thought Thoobing) there was none; Kodell's was contemptible. Kodell had been Director of Security when Thoobing was still on Terminus, dreaming of opposing Harla Branno in the race for Mayor, until he had been bought off with the ambassadorship. Branno had done it for her own sake, of course, but he had ended up owing her goodwill for that. But not to Kodell, somehow. Perhaps it was because of Kodell's determined cheerfulness – the manner in which he was always such a friendly person – even after he had decided on just exactly the manner in which your throat was to be cut. Now he sat there in hyperspatial image, cheerful as ever, brimming over with bonhomie. His actual body was, of course, back on Terminus, which spared Thoobing the necessity of offering him any physical sign of hospitality. â€Å"Kodell,† he said. â€Å"I want those ships withdrawn.† Kodell smiled sunnily. â€Å"Why, so do I, but the old lady has made up her mind.† â€Å"You've been known to persuade her out of this or that.† â€Å"On occasion. Perhaps. When she wanted to be persuaded. This time she doesn't want to be. – Thoobing, do your job. Keep Sayshell calm.† â€Å"I'm not thinking about Sayshell, Kodell. I'm thinking about the Foundation.† â€Å"So are we all.† â€Å"Kodell, don't fence. I want you to listen to me.† â€Å"Gladly, but these are hectic times on Terminus and I will not listen to you forever.† â€Å"I will be as brief as I can be – when discussing the possibility of the Foundation's destruction. If this hyperspatial line is not being tapped, I will speak openly.† â€Å"It is not being tapped.† â€Å"Then let me go on. I have received a message some days ago from one Golan Trevize. I recall a Trevize in my own political days, a Commissioner of Transportation.† â€Å"The young man's uncle,† Kodell said. â€Å"Ah, then you know the Trevize who sent the message to me. According to the information I have since gathered, he was a Councilman who, after the recent successful resolution of a Seldon Crisis, was arrested and sent into exile.† â€Å"Exactly.† â€Å"I don't believe it.† â€Å"What is it that you don't believe?† â€Å"That he was sent into exile.† â€Å"Why not?† â€Å"When in history has any citizen of the Foundation been sent into exile?† demanded Thoobing. â€Å"He is arrested or not arrested. If he is arrested, he is tried or not tried. If he is tried, he is convicted or not convicted. If he is convicted, he is fined, demoted, disgraced, imprisoned, or executed. No one is sent into exile.† â€Å"There is always a first time.† â€Å"Nonsense. In an advanced naval vessel? What fool can fail to see that he is on a special mission for your old woman? Whom can she possibly expect to deceive?† â€Å"What would the mission be?† â€Å"Supposedly to find the planet Gaia.† Some of the cheerfulness left Kodell's face. An unaccustomed hardness entered his eyes. He said, â€Å"I know that you feel no overwhelming impulse to believe my statements, Mr. Ambassador, but I make a special plea that you believe me in this one case. Neither the Mayor nor I had ever heard of Gaia at the time that Trevize was sent into exile. We have heard of Gaia, for the first time, just the other day. If you believe that, this conversation may continue.† â€Å"I will suspend my tendency toward skepticism long enough to accept that, Director, though it is difficult to do so.† â€Å"it is quite true, Mr. Ambassador, and if I have suddenly adopted a formal note to my statements it is because when this is done, you will find that you have questions to answer and that you will not find the occasion joyful. You speak as though Gaia is a world familiar to you. How is it that you know something we did not know? Is it not your duty to see to it that we know everything that you know about the political unit to which you are assigned?† Thoobing said softly, â€Å"Gaia is not part of the Sayshell Union. It, in fact, probably does not exist. Am I to transmit to Terminus all the fairy tales that the superstitious lower orders of Sayshell tell of Gaia? Some of them say that Gaia is located in hyperspace. According to others, it is a world that supernaturally protects Sayshell. According to still others, it sent forth the Mule to prey on the Galaxy. If you are planning to tell the Sayshellian government that Trevize has been sent out to find Gaia and that five advanced ships of the Foundation Navy have been sent out to back him in this search, they will never believe you. The people may believe fairy tales about Gaia, but the government does not – and they will not be convinced that the Foundation does. They will feel that you intend to force Sayshell into the Foundation Federation.† â€Å"And what if we do plan that?† â€Å"It would be fatal. Come, Kodell, in the five-century history of the Foundation, when have we fought a war of conquest? We have fought wars to prevent our own conquest – and failed once – but no war has ended with an extension of our territory. Accessions to the Federation have been through peaceful agreements. We have been joined by those who saw benefits in joining.† â€Å"Isn't it possible that Sayshell may see benefits in joining?† â€Å"They will never do so while our ships remain on their borders. Withdraw them.† â€Å"It can't be done.† â€Å"Kodell, Sayshell is a marvelous advertisement for the benevolence of the Foundation Federation. It is nearly enclosed by our territory, it is in an utterly vulnerable position, and yet until now it has been safe, has gone its own way, has even been able to maintain an anti-Foundation foreign policy freely. How better can we show the Galaxy that we force no one, that we come in friendship to all? – If we take over Sayshell, we take that which, in essence, we already have. After all, we dominate it economically – if quietly. But if we take it over by military force, we advertise to all the Galaxy that we have become expansionist.† â€Å"And if I tell you that we are really interested only in Gaia?† â€Å"Then I will believe it no more than the Sayshell Union will. This man, Trevize, sends me a message that he is on his way to Gaia and asks me to transmit it to Terminus. Against my better judgment, I do so because I must and, almost before the hyperspatial line is cool, the Foundation Navy is in motion. How will you get to Gaia, without penetrating Sayshellian space?† â€Å"My dear Thoobing, surely you are not listening to yourself. Did you not tell me just a few minutes ago that Gaia, if it exists at all, is not part of the Sayshell Union? And I presume you know that hyperspace is free to all and is part of no world's territory. How then can Sayshell complain if we move from Foundation territory (where our ships stand right now), through hyperspace, into Gaian territory, and never in the process occupy a single cubic centimeter of Sayshellian territory?† â€Å"Sayshell will not interpret events like that, Kodell. Gaia, if it exists at all, is totally enclosed by the Sayshell Union, even if it is not a political part of it, and there are precedents that make such enclaves virtual parts of the enclosing territory, as far as enemy warships are concerned.† â€Å"Ours are not enemy warships. We are at peace with Sayshell.† â€Å"I tell you that Sayshell may declare war. They won't expect to win such a war through military superiority, but the fact is, war will set off a wave of anti-Foundation activity throughout the Galaxy. The new expansionist policies of the Foundation will encourage the growth of alliances against us. Some of the members of the Federation will begin to rethink their ties to us. We may well lose the war through internal disarray and we will then certainly reverse the process of growth that has served the Foundation so well for five hundred years.† â€Å"Come, come, Thoobing,† said Kodell indifferently, â€Å"You speak as though five hundred years is nothing, as though we are still the Foundation of Salvor Hardin's time, fighting the pocket-kingdom of Anacreon. We are far stronger now than the Galactic Empire ever was at its very height. A squadron of our ships could defeat the entire Galactic Navy, occupy any Galactic sector, and never know it had been in a fight.† â€Å"We are not fighting the Galactic Empire. We fight planets and sectors of our own time.† â€Å"Who have not advanced as we have. We could gather in all the Galaxy now.† â€Å"According to the Seldon Plan, we can't do that for another five hundred years.† â€Å"The Seldon Plan underestimates the speed of technological advance. We can do it now! – Understand me, I don't say we will do it now or even should do it now. I merely say we can do it now.† â€Å"Kodell, you have lived all your life on Terminus. You don't know the Galaxy. Our Navy and our technology can beat down the Armed Forces of other worlds, but we cannot yet govern an entire rebellions, hate-ridden Galaxy – and that is what it will be if we take it by force. Withdraw the ships!† â€Å"It can't be done, Thoobing. Consider. What if Gaia is not a myth?† Thoobing paused, scanning the other's face as though anxious to read his mind. â€Å"A world in hyperspace not a myth?† â€Å"A world in hyperspace is superstition, but even superstitions may be built around kernels of truth. This man, Trevize, who was exiled, speaks of it as though it were a real world in real space. What if he is right?† â€Å"Nonsense. I don't believe it.† â€Å"No? Believe it for just a moment. A real world that has lent Sayshell safety against the Mule and against the Foundation!† â€Å"But you refute yourself. How is Gaia keeping the Sayshellians safe from the Foundation? Are we not sending ships against it?† â€Å"Not against it, but against Gaia, which is so mysteriously unknown – which is so careful to avoid notice that while it is in real space it somehow convinces its neighbor worlds that it is in hyperspace – and which even manages to remain outside the computerized data of the best and most unabridged of Galactic maps.† â€Å"It must be a most unusual world, then, for it must be able to manipulate minds.† â€Å"And did you not say a moment ago that one Sayshellian tale is that Gaia sent forth the Mule to prey upon the Galaxy? And could not the Mule manipulate minds?† â€Å"And is Gaia a world of Mules, then?† â€Å"Are you sure it might not be?† â€Å"Why not a world of a reborn Second Foundation, in that case.† â€Å"Why not indeed? Should it not be investigated?† Thoobing grew sober. He had been smiling scornfully during the last exchanges, but now he lowered his head and stared up from under his eyebrows. â€Å"If you are serious, is such an investigation not dangerous?† â€Å"Is it?† â€Å"You answer my questions with other questions because you have no reasonable answers. Of what use will ships be against Mules or Second Foundationers? Is it not likely, in fact, that if they exist they are luring you into destruction? See here, you tell me that the Foundation can establish its Empire now, even though the Seldon Plan has reached only its midway point, and I have warned you that you would be racing too far ahead and that the intricacies of the Plan would slow you down by force. Perhaps, if Gaia exists and is what you say it is, all this is a device to bring about that slowdown. Do voluntarily now what you may soon be constrained to do. Do peacefully and without bloodshed now what you may be forced to do by woeful disaster. Withdraw the ships.† â€Å"It can't be done. In fact, Thoobing, Mayor Branno herself plans to join the ships, and scoutships have already flitted through hyperspace to what is supposedly Gaian territory.† Thoobing's eyes bulged. â€Å"There will surely be war, I tell you.† â€Å"You are our ambassador. Prevent that. Give the Sayshellians whatever assurances they need. Deny any ill will on our part. Tell them, if you have to, that it will pay them to sit quietly and wait for Gaia to destroy us. Say anything you want to, but keep them quiet.† He paused, searching Thoobing's stunned expression, and said, â€Å"Really, that's all. As far as I know, no Foundation ship will land on any world of the Sayshell Union or penetrate any point in real space that is part of that Union. However, any Sayshellian ship that attempts to challenge us outside Union territory – and therefore inside Foundation territory – will promptly be reduced to dust. Make that perfectly clear, too, and keep the Sayshellians quiet. You will be held to strict account if you fail. You have had an easy job so far, Thoobing, but hard times are upon you and the next few weeks decide all. Fail us and no place in the Galaxy will be safe for you.† There was neither merriment nor friendliness in Kodell's face as contact was broken and as his image disappeared. Thoobing stared open – mouthed at the place where he had been. Golan Trevize clutched at his hair as though he were trying, by feel, to judge the condition of his thinking. He said to Pelorat abruptly, â€Å"What is your state of mind?† â€Å"State of mind?† said Pelorat blankly. â€Å"Yes. Here we are, trapped – with our ship under outside control and being drawn inexorably to a world we know nothing about. Do you feel panic?† Pelorat's long face registered a certain melancholia. â€Å"No,† he said. â€Å"I don't feel joyful. I do feel a little apprehensive, but I'm not panicky.† â€Å"Neither am I. Isn't that odd? Why aren't we more upset than we are?† â€Å"This is something we expected, Golan. Something like this.† Trevize turned to the screen. It remained firmly focused on the space station. It was larger now, which meant they were closer. It seemed to him that it was not an impressive space station in design. There was nothing to it that bespoke superscience. In fact, it seemed a bit primitive. – Yet it had the ship in its grip. He said, â€Å"I'm being very analytical, Janov. Cool! – I like to think that I am not a coward and that I can behave well under pressure, but I tend to flatter myself. Everyone does. I should be jumping up and down right now and sweating a little. We may have expected something, but that doesn't change the fact that we are helpless and that we may be killed.† Pelorat said, â€Å"I don't think so, Golan. If the Gaians could take over the ship at a distance, couldn't they kill us at a distance? If we're still alive†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"But we're not altogether untouched. We're too calm, I tell you. I think they've tranquilized us.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"To keep us in good shape mentally, I think. It's possible they wish to question us. After that, they may kill us.† â€Å"If they are rational enough to want to question us, they may be rational enough not to kill us for no good reason.† Trevize leaned back in his chair (it bent back at least – they hadn't deprived the chair of its functioning) and placed his feet on the desk where ordinarily his hands made contact with the computer. He said, â€Å"They may be quite ingenious enough to work up what they consider a good reason. – Still, if they've touched our minds, It hasn't been by much. If it were the Mule, for instance, he would have made us eager to go – exalted, exultant, every fiber of ourselves crying out for arrival there.† He pointed to the space station. â€Å"Do you feel that way, Janov?† â€Å"Certainly not.† â€Å"You see that I'm still in a state where I can indulge in cool, analytical reasoning. Very odd! Or can I tell? Am I in a panic, incoherent, mad – and merely under the illusion that I am indulging in cool, analytical reasoning?† Pelorat shrugged. â€Å"You seem sane to me. Perhaps I am as insane as you and am under the same illusion, but that sort of argument gets us nowhere. All humanity could share a common insanity and be immersed in a common illusion while living in a common chaos. That can't be disproved, but we have no choice but to follow our senses.† And then, abruptly, he said, â€Å"In fact, I've been doing some reasoning myself.† â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"Well, we talk about Gaia as a world of Mules, possibly, or as the Second Foundation reborn. Has it occurred to you that a third alternative exists, one that is more reasonable than either of the first two.† â€Å"What third alternative?† Pelorat's eyes seemed concentrating inward. He did not look at Trevize and his voice was low and thoughtful. â€Å"We have a world – Gaia – that has done its best, over an indefinite period of time, to maintain a strict isolation. It has in no way attempted to establish contact with any other world – not even the nearby worlds of the Sayshell Union. It has an advanced science, in some ways, if the stories of their destruction of fleets is true and certainly their ability to control us right now bespeaks it – and yet they have made no attempt to expand their power. They ask only to be left alone.† Trevize narrowed his eyes. â€Å"So?† â€Å"It's all very inhuman. The more than twenty thousand years of human history in space has been an uninterrupted tale of expansion and attempted expansion. Just about every known world that can be inhabited is inhabited. Nearly every world has been quarreled over in the process and nearly every world has jostled each of its neighbors at one time or another. If Gaia is so inhuman as to be so different in this respect, it may be because it really is – inhuman.† Trevize shook his head. â€Å"Impossible.† â€Å"Why impossible?† said Pelorat warmly. â€Å"I've told you what a puzzle it is that the human race is the only evolved intelligence in the Galaxy. What if it isn't? Might there not be one more – on one planet – that lacked the human expansionist drive? In fact,† Pelorat grew more excited, â€Å"what if there are a million intelligences in the Galaxy, but only one that is expansionist – ourselves? The others would all remain at home, unobtrusive, hidden†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Ridiculous!† said Trevize. â€Å"We'd come across them. We'd land on their worlds. They would come in all types and stages of technology and most of them would be unable to stop us. But we've never come across any of them. Space! We've never even come across the ruins or relies of a nonhuman civilization, have we? You're the historian, so you tell me. Have we?† Pelorat shook his head. â€Å"We haven't. – But Golan, there could be one! This one!† â€Å"I don't believe it. You say the name is Gaia, which is some ancient dialectical version of the name ‘Earth. ‘ How can that be nonhuman?† â€Å"The name ‘Gaia' is given the planet by human beings – and who knows why? The resemblance to an ancient word might be coincidental. – Come to think of it, the very fact that we've been lured to Gaia – as you explained in great detail some time ago – and are now being drawn in against our will is an argument in favor of the nonhumanity of the Gaians.† â€Å"Why? What has that to do with nonhumanity?† â€Å"They're curious about us – about humans.† Trevize said, â€Å"Janov, you're mad. They've been living in a Galaxy surrounded by humans for thousands of years. Why should they be curious right now? Why not long before? And if right now, why us? If they want to study human beings and human culture, why not the Sayshell worlds? Why would they reach all the way to Terminus for us?† â€Å"They may be interested in the Foundation.† â€Å"Nonsense,† said Trevize violently. â€Å"Janov, you want a nonhuman intelligence and you will have one. Right now, I think that if you thought you were going to encounter nonhumans, you wouldn't worry about having been captured, about being helpless, about being killed even – if they but gave you a little time to sate your curiosity.† Pelorat began to stutter an indignant negative, then stopped, drew a deep breath, and said, â€Å"Well, you may be right, Golan, but I'll hold to my belief for a while just the same. I don't think we'll have to wait very long to see who's right. – Look!† He pointed to the screen. Trevize – who had, in his excitement, ceased watching – now looked back. â€Å"What is it?† he said. â€Å"Isn't that a ship taking off from the station?† â€Å"It's something,† admitted Trevize reluctantly. â€Å"I can't make out the details yet and I can't magnify the view any further. It's at maximum magnification.† After awhile he said, â€Å"It seems to be approaching us and I suppose it's a ship. Shall we make a bet?† â€Å"What sort of bet?† Trevize said sardonically, â€Å"If we ever get back to Terminus, let's have a big dinner for ourselves and any guests we each care to invite, up to, say, four – and it will be on me if that ship approaching us carries nonhumans and on you if it carries humans.† â€Å"I'm willing,† said Pelorat. â€Å"Done, then,† and Trevize peered at the screen, trying to make out details and wondering if any details could reasonably be expected to give away, beyond question, the nonhumanity (or humanity) of the beings on board. Branno's iron-gray hair lay immaculately in place and she might have been in the Mayoral Palace, considering her equanimity. She showed no sign that she was deep in space for only the second time in her life. (And the first time – when she accompanied her parents on a holiday tour to Kalgan – could scarcely count. She had been only three at the time.) She said to Kodell with a certain weary heaviness, â€Å"It is Thoobing's job, after all, to express his opinion and to warn me. Very well, he has warned me. I don't hold it against him.† Kodell, who had boarded the Mayor's ship in order to speak to her without the psychological difficulty of imaging, said, â€Å"He's been at his post too long. He's beginning to think like a Sayshellian.† â€Å"That's the occupational hazard of an ambassadorship, Liono. Let us wait till this is over and we'll give him a long sabbatical and then send him on to another assignment elsewhere. He's a capable man. – After all, he did have the wit to forward Trevize's message without delay.† Kodell smiled briefly. â€Å"Yes, he told me he did it against his better judgment. ‘I do so because I must' he said. You see, Madam Mayor, he had to, even against his better judgment, because as soon as Trevize entered the space of the Sayshell Union, I informed Ambassador Thoobing to forward, at once, any and all information concerning him?' â€Å"Oh?† Mayor Branno turned in her seat to see his face more clearly. â€Å"And what made you do that?† â€Å"Elementary considerations, actually. Trevize was using a latemodel Foundation naval vessel and the Sayshellians would be bound to notice that. He's an undiplomatic young jackass and they would be bound to notice that. Therefore, he might get into trouble – and if there's one thing a Foundationer knows, it is that if he gets into trouble anywhere in the Galaxy, he can cry out for the nearest Foundation representative. Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Trevize in trouble – it might help him grow up and that would do him a great deal of good – but you've sent him out as your lightning rod and I wanted you to be able to estimate the nature of any lightning that might strike, so I made sure that the nearest Foundation representative would keep watch over him, that's all.† â€Å"I see! Well, I understand now why Thoobing reacted so strenuously. I had sent him a similar warning. Since he heard from us both independently, one can scarcely blame him for thinking that the approach of a few Foundation vessels might mean a great deal more than it actually does. – How is it, Liono, you did not consult me on the matter before sending the warning?† Kodell said coolly, â€Å"If I involved you in everything I do, you would have no time to be Mayor. How is it that you did not inform me of your intention?† Branno said sourly, â€Å"If I informed you of all my intentions, Liono, you would know far too much. – But it is a small matter, and so is Thoobing's alarm, and, for that matter, so is any fit that the Sayshellians throw. I am more interested in Trevize.† â€Å"Our scouts have located Compor. He is following Trevize and both are moving very cautiously toward Gaia.† â€Å"I have the full reports of those scouts, Liono. Apparently both Trevize and Compor are taking Gaia seriously.† â€Å"Everyone sneers at the superstitions concerning Gaia, Madam Mayor, but everyone thinks, ‘Yet what if – † Even Ambassador Thoobing manages to be a little uneasy about it. It could be a very shrewd policy on the part of the Sayshellians. A kind of protective coloration. If one spreads stories of a mysterious and invincible world, people will shy away not only from the world, but from any other worlds close by – such as the Sayshell Union.† â€Å"You think that is why the Mule turned away from Sayshell?† â€Å"Possibly.† â€Å"Surely you don't think the Foundation has held its hand from Sayshell because of Gaia, when there is no record that we have ever heard of the world?† â€Å"I admit there's no mention of Gaia in our archives, but neither is there any other reasonable explanation for our moderation with respect to the Sayshell Union.† â€Å"Let us hope, then, that the Sayshellian government, despite Thoobing's opinion to the contrary, has convinced itself – even just a little bit – of Gaia's might and of its deadly nature.† â€Å"Why so?† â€Å"Because then the Sayshell Union will raise no objections to our moving toward Gaia. The more they resent that movement, the more they will persuade themselves that it should be permitted so that Gaia will swallow us. The lesson, they will imagine, will be a salutary one and will not be lost on future invaders.† â€Å"Yet what if they should be right in such a belief, Mayor? What if Gaia is deadly?† Branno smiled. â€Å"You raise the ‘Yet what if – † yourself, do you, Liono?† â€Å"I must raise all possibilities, Mayor. It is my job.† â€Å"If Gaia is deadly, Trevize will be taken by them. That is his job as my lightning rod. And so may Compor, I hope.† â€Å"You hope? Why?† â€Å"Because it will make them overconfident, which should be useful to us. They will underestimate our power and be the easier to handle.† â€Å"But what if it is we who are overconfident?† â€Å"We are not,† said Branno flatly. â€Å"These Gaians – whatever they are – may be something we have no concept of and cannot properly estimate the danger of. I merely suggest that, Mayor, because even that possibility should be weighed.† â€Å"Indeed? Why does such a notion fall into your head, Liono?† â€Å"Because I think you feel that, at the worst, Gaia is the Second Foundation. I suspect you think they are the Second Foundation. However, Sayshell has an interesting history, even under the Empire. Sayshell alone had a measure of self-rule. Sayshell alone was spared some of the worst taxations under the so-called ‘Bad Emperors. ‘ In short, Sayshell seems to have had the protection of Gaia, even in Imperial times.† â€Å"Well then?† â€Å"But the Second Foundation was brought into existence by Hari Seldon at the same time our Foundation was. The Second Foundation did not exist in Imperial times – and Gaia did. Gaia, therefore, is not the Second Foundation. It is something else – and, just possibly, something worse.† â€Å"I don't propose to be terrified by the unknown, Liono. There are only two possible sources of danger – physical weapons and mental weapons – and we are fully prepared for both. – You get back to your ship and keep the units on the Sayshellian outskirts. This ship will move toward Gaia alone, but will stay in contact with you at all times and will expect you to come to us in one Jump, if necessary. – Go, Liono, and get that perturbed look off your face.† â€Å"One last question? Are you sure you know what you're doing?† â€Å"I do,† she said grimly. â€Å"I, too, have studied the history of Sayshell and have seen that Gaia cannot be the Second Foundation, but, as I told you, I have the full report of the scouts and from that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"Well, I know where the Second Foundation is located and we will take care of both, Liono. We will take care of Gaia first and then Trantor.†