What is wrong with the Galactic Empire in “Foundation?”
Brother Day, known as Cleon XIII during his reign, has had a significant impact on the Galactic Empire's trajectory, creating a ripple effect that will echo throughout the ages. It was under his rule that the Empire experienced heightened turmoil and tension. This article will explore the decisions, actions, and events during Brother Day's reign as Cleon XIII and their subsequent implications for the Empire.
At the heart of the unrest was the impulsive decision made by his predecessor, Cleon XII, to exile the mathematician Hari Seldon and his Foundation to Terminus, a remote planet at the edge of the galaxy. Brother Day, now Cleon XIII, inherited an Empire riddled with uncertainty, teetering on the brink of chaos due to this profound decision. Hari Seldon had developed a science called Psychohistory, which allowed him to predict the future on a large scale. His ominous predictions for the Empire made him a potential threat, leading to his banishment. This decision would come to haunt Cleon XIII throughout his rule.
Alongside this inherited problem, the Empire faced religious dissent in the form of Luminism, a growing insurgency on Trantor - the Empire's capital - and defiance from the Outer Reach planets. The pressure from these various sources of turmoil was exacerbated by the actions of Cleon XII, particularly his decision to bomb the planets Anacreon and Thespis. These planets, after allegedly colluding on a terrorist attack on the Star Bridge, were summarily punished without a thorough investigation.
As Brother Day, Cleon XIII had the challenging task of steadying the Empire. He was left to grapple with the consequences of actions he had not initiated but had to rectify. He attributed the blame for the upheaval squarely on the shoulders of Cleon XII and his impulsive decision-making.
In a bid to stabilize the Empire and regain some semblance of control, Cleon XIII made a significant and unprecedented move. He broke with the protocol that the primary Cleon should never leave Trantor. This protocol was put in place to ensure the safety of the ruling emperor and maintain stability within the Empire. However, Cleon XIII saw fit to bend these rules in response to the growing turmoil.
He resolved to travel to the funeral of Proxima Opal in order to install a favored successor as her replacement. This journey was a diplomatic move intended to solidify his influence and demonstrate the Empire's strength, despite the internal and external threats it faced. But it was also a risky gamble. By breaking from tradition and protocol, Cleon XIII risked not only his own life but also the stability of the Empire.
The decisions made by Brother Day as Cleon XIII had far-reaching consequences for the Empire. His decision to break protocol demonstrated a flexible, if desperate, approach to leadership during times of crisis. However, it also revealed the precarious state of the Empire and the lengths to which the Emperor would go to maintain control.
The handling of the crisis during his reign showcased Cleon XIII's ability to make bold decisions in the face of mounting unrest. However, it also highlighted the long-lasting impact of rash decisions made without consideration for future implications - a lesson from the reign of Cleon XII.
In conclusion, Brother Day's rule as Cleon XIII was a critical juncture in the history of the Galactic Empire. His actions and decisions, particularly his willingness to break long-standing protocol, sent ripples through the Empire that will be felt for generations to come. As viewers and fans, we can only speculate on the future ramifications of these actions. However, one thing is clear - Brother Day's time as Cleon XIII has indelibly marked the narrative of the Foundation series, contributing significantly to the intricate tapestry of the story.
