The Mule's Search
After conquering the First Foundation and establishing his Union of Worlds, the Mule turned his attention to finding and destroying the Second Foundation — the only remaining threat to his power. His search led him to Tazenda, a world in the galactic interior that seemed to match the mysterious description of 'Star's End.'
The Mule attacked and devastated Tazenda, believing he had destroyed the Second Foundation. Meanwhile, the real Second Foundation on Trantor watched safely from across the galaxy, their greatest enemy having wasted his resources on a decoy.
Bail Channis and the Double Bluff
The Tazenda deception involved a complex operation by the Second Foundation agent Bail Channis, who was sent to 'lead' the Mule to Tazenda while appearing to be a loyal convert. The operation was a masterpiece of mentalic manipulation — the Second Foundation sacrificed a world to protect their true location.
First Speaker Preem Palver orchestrated the plan, recognizing that only a complete and convincing 'victory' would satisfy the Mule's paranoia and end his search.