He leans toward pious speeches, so I took a chance that worked.
I'm here in the capacity of your spiritual adviser.
There's something about a pious man such as he.
He will cheerfully cut your throat if it suits him, but he will hesitate to endanger the welfare of your immaterial and problematical soul.
It's just a piece of empirical psychology.
A trader has to know a little of everything."
Gorov's smile was sardonic,
"And you've been to theological school as well.
You're all right, Ponyets. I'm glad they sent you.
But the Grand Master doesn't love my soul exclusively.
Has he mentioned a ransom?"
The trader's eyes narrowed,
"He hinted - barely. And he also threatened death by gas.
I played safe, and dodged; it might easily have been a trap.
So it's extortion, is it?
What is it he wants?"
"Gold."
"Gold!"
Ponyets frowned.
"The metal itself?
What for?"
"It's their medium of exchange."
"Is it?
And where do I get gold from?"
"Wherever you can.
Listen to me; this is important.
Nothing will happen to me as long as the Grand Master has the scent of gold in his nose.
Promise it to him; as much as he asks for.
Then go back to the Foundation, if necessary, to get it.
When I'm free, we'll be escorted out of the system, and then we part company."
Ponyets stared disapprovingly,
"And then you'll come back and try again."
"It's my assignment to sell nucleics to Askone."
"They'll get you before you've gone a parsec in space.
You know that, I suppose."
"I don't," said Gorov.
"And if I did, it wouldn't affect things."
"They'll kill you the second time."
Gorov shrugged.
Ponyets said quietly, "If I'm going to negotiate with the Grand Master again, I want to know the whole story.
So far, I've been working it too blind.
As it was, the few mild remarks I did make almost threw his Veneration into fits."
"It's simple enough," said Gorov.
"The only way we can increase the security of the Foundation here in the Periphery is to form a religion-controlled commercial empire.
We're still too weak to be able to force political control.
It's all we can do to hold the Four Kingdoms."
Ponyets was nodding.
"This I realize.
And any system that doesn't accept nuclear gadgets can never be placed under our religious control-"
"And can therefore become a focal point for independence and hostility.