The Galactic Empire continues its long-expected decline. Thousands of star systems have declared independence or joined the Foundation. But the Foundation itself is divided, with the Traders demanding more and more autonomy and power, and faith in the Seldon Plan is not as absolute as it once was. The arrival of the Mule, a powerful warlord with mentalic abilities, triggers the awakening of Gaal Dornick from her long cryo-slumber, and pitches the galaxy into chaos.
