The foundation stone of the Foundation on Trantor in the year 12020: The center of the galaxy is ruled by Emperor Cleon I. Hari Seldon, a young scientist, presents his theory of psychohistory for the first time, which allows for precise predictions about the behavior of large groups of people—such as empires—based on mathematical, sociological, and statistical methods. Cleon I takes notice and seeks Seldon's assistance. In particular, Cleon’s First Minister, Eto Demerzel, seems quite unenthusiastic about this endeavor. Hari Seldon must flee from Trantor and embarks on a quest to find the long-lost Earth, while his adversaries are constantly on his trail.