The Start of Eternity/4

== At that moment Daneel received a message from Fallom. The message arrived directly in Daneel's positronic brain and there was no indication to Pavao that Daneel was in communication with anyone else. The message was simple:

We must meet, and soon. At the place we have prepared for this purpose.

By the very nature of the message Daneel had no doubt who the message was from and what he must do. Fallom had been implanted with a positronic communications device that allowed near-instantaneous communications with positronic brain robots engaged in their missions around the galaxy.

The telepathic robots of Earth had long recognized the risk that telepathic communications might be intentionally disrupted. Only once had that happened: when scientists of the First Foundation had produced "telepathic mind static" devices and used them against the telepaths of the Second Foundation. And even the First Foundation had been assisted by Daneel in their development of those static generators. It had been important that the First Foundationers feels secure and certain that they had defeated the Second Foundation.

But the greater risk was that the Huaoshy might one day become interested in positronics and telepathy. There was even the risk that the Huaoshy might learn how to tap into the secret communications that passed between telepathic minds. In anticipation of that possibility Daneel and Fallom had prepared a contingency plan. Daneel knew that Fallom dared not risk communicating what he knew by telepathy...they would have to meet. Now, only at a physical meeting with Fallom would Daneel learn what had changed and what source of danger threatened their exclusive use of telepathiic communication.

Daneel said to Pavao, "I believe I understand what you have told me. I assure you that I support the continued existence of the encyclopedia. Let me think about our options and what might be possible. Shall we meet again in a week? By then I should have some specific suggestions for how to revitalize the project."

Pavao reached out and shook Daneel's hand. "Very well. Thank you for your interest. I can't imagine how any individual such as yourself can make a difference. The tide long ago turned against the encyclopedia project, a vast momentum is against us."

Daneel rose began to walk to the door, anxious to return to his spaceship. "I do not want to give you false hope, but I am something of a specialist in developing long-term strategies. Remember, if we start now, even if starting slowly, we might eventually turn the tide."

Pavao chuckled, "Yes, yes, of course. Thank you for not being discouraged by my pessimism. I'll see you again in one week."