Asimov's Foundation

  "under the direct control of the Emperor." There was a faint emphasis upon the last phrase that seemed to disconcert the sub-prefect.

  "We're all scholars more or less. After all, we're not so much a world as a scientific foundation – under the direct control of the Emperor."

  "Why, certainly," replied Hardin, amiably.

  "Doctor? No other title? A scholar? And he rates above the civil authority?"

  "You mean Dr. Pirenne? Yes! He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees – and a personal representative of the Emperor."

Haut Rodric's eyebrows lifted. "And your leader – the man I am to meet?" "You mean Dr. Pirenne? Yes! He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees – and a personal representative of the Emperor." "Doctor? No other title? A scholar? And he rates above the civil authority?" "Why, certainly," replied Hardin, amiably. "We're all scholars more or less. After all, we're not so much a world as a scientific foundation – under the direct control of the Emperor."There was a faint emphasis upon the last phrase that seemed to disconcert the sub-prefect.