Episode 7 of Season 3 of "Foundation" opens on the distant planet of Rossem, situated at the very fringes of the Outer Reach, years preceding the events chronicled in the prior episode. Amidst the roar of colossal farming machinery plowing through the fields, a mother and her son flee from the watchful eyes of authority. The assessors' impending arrival sends them scrambling back to their humble abode, frantically preparing to conceal their newborn child.
Their timing is impeccable, as the representatives of the Foundation soon arrive to scrutinize the goings-on in the community. Under a stringent one-child-per-household policy, the presence of an additional infant in their midst spells impending doom.
However, fate conspires against them when the baby's cries pierce through the hidden compartment, instantly altering the ambiance within the room. Discovered, the authorities vow that within thirty days, the household must adhere to the allotted quota of one child.
It transpires that the elder child is none other than The Mule. His father, Ovri, contemplates drowning him to comply with the draconian one-child rule. But as destiny would have it, The Mule awakens to his formidable powers and manipulates his parents. In a harrowing turn of events, he exercises his newfound influence to kill them both by drowning them – an incident with profound ramifications for the future.
Clutching the infant, The Mule dashes to the neighboring Barton family, pounding on their door and depositing the child before fleeing into the night. He ultimately joins forces with the pirates who had previously harassed their land.
Cutting to the present, a mesmerizing montage depicts Foundation ships exchanging fire, a maneuver orchestrated by The Mule. Pritcher can only stand by in despair, realizing that conventional means cannot quell The Mule's prowess. He implores Seph to release him, but to no avail, leaving him powerless to halt the escalating conflict.
Back on land, the situation remains barely any better, as Toran struggles to carry Bayta away from the fierce firefight, their efforts appearing increasingly futile. With Bayta perched precariously on his shoulders, Toran maneuvers through the chaos, yet hope seems but a distant dream.
Upon receiving news of the Kalgan massacre and the compromised Enclosure, Dusk initially reels but quickly regains his composure. He issues orders for probes to be dispatched to New Terminus, tasked with assessing the extent of the devastation. Additionally, he engages in a conversation with the Ambassador, seeking clarity amidst the confusion. With sincerity lacing his words, he implores her to visit the palace, vowing to ensure her safety should she comply. Moved by his plea, the Ambassador agrees, determined to lend whatever aid she can to her long-time friend.
Together, they retrace the events involving the Foundation ships and the influence wielded by The Mule. In return, Dusk unburdens himself, recounting the madness that has enveloped everything and expressing his deep-seated concern for Dawn's wellbeing. With only three days left on this planet, he yearns to leave a lasting impression, particularly by safeguarding the Ambassador. Their shared kiss, a moment she has craved for three decades, serves as a testament to their unspoken feelings.
Elsewhere, The Mule lands, his presence commanding immediate respect. Indbur, recognizing the futility of defiance, kneels before him in surrender. The Mule, aspiring to be called First Citizen, demands that all bow to him. As for Indbur, he swiftly decides to betray Pritcher, handing him over to The Mule under the pretense of keeping him incarcerated.
However, sensing the gravity of the situation, Pritcher resorts to drastic measures. He bites his arm, drawing blood and compelling the guards to attend to him. When The Mule and Indbur enter his cell shortly afterward, they find a figure lying prone on the ground. Yet, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that this is yet another of Pritcher's deceits, a trick that The Mule sees through with ease.
Pritcher lurks in ambush around the corner, and when he finally emerges, he attempts to fire his weapon, only to be thwarted by a jam. Of course, it had to happen at the worst possible moment. His pursuers give chase, yet Pritcher, ever resourceful, seizes control of a ship once more and sails away scott-free, with no one able to intercept him... again.
In his absence, The Mule establishes his presence with authority, instructing Indbur to take his own life. The spectators watch in terror as Indbur collapses in a heap on the ground. The Mule shakes his head solemnly, commenting on how drowning is indeed a harrowing way to depart this world. Given the flashbacks earlier in the episode revealing his troubled past with his parents, his observation rings all too true.
Seph, who is also present, rises to her feet, bravely pointing out that Pritcher is the one trying to thwart The Mule. They are not alone in their resistance, as Bayta and Toran manage to return to their ship. Randu, still very much alive, arrives shortly after them, but they are not unaccompanied. Armed guards are approaching, and time is of the essence. Surprisingly, Randu sides with The Mule, believing that his reign offers far more opportunities than what the Foundation could ever provide.
Toran is astonished and a scuffle ensues between them, resulting in Bayta being captured and Toran having no choice but to eject himself in an escape pod, fleeing from the ship. As he departs, Randu is brutally shot in the head.
Elsewhere, Day engages in a conversation with Oceanglass and Song about Demerzel and her pervasive influence. The temptation to embrace their religion is overwhelming, and the only way to prove this, beyond restoring Song's memories, is through a hallucinatory journey facilitated by spores.
These spores act as a catalyst, amplifying the truth and enhancing the experience with a distorted, fisheye perspective. During this surreal journey, Day confesses his deep-seated dislike for Demerzel, stemming from her impossibly high standards and his inability to measure up to the best of the Cleonic Dynasty. Themes of love versus freedom emerge, intertwined with Demerzel's unwavering loyalty to the Dynasty. Ultimately, this journey leads to a deeper understanding between Day and the others of his convictions.
As the episode draws to a close, The Mule appears before Hari Seldon, revealing his true identity and expressing his desire for a conversation.
