The Temporal Void (Void #2)

by Peter F. Hamilton

the force field now, suspended twenty meters from the ground. From her angle it looked as though the spiky treetops were holding it up. Cressida had said the gap was guarded, though not how. Araminta had no intention of finding out; she certainly couldn’t see any Ellezelin capsules, not even using her night sight function. Unfortunately, her Advancer heritage wasn’t up to supplying her with infrared. Lack of knowing what was lurking among the trees made her very conscious of what could be watching her with enriched senses, laughing quietly as she blundered about. Crumbling enzyme-bonded concrete beneath her feet gave way to grass and the wide indigo fans of whiplit ferns. Araminta pushed her way forward into the dark spaces between the dapol trees. There were no thoughts impinging on the local gaiafield, no human ones, anyway. The gentle thoughts of the Silfen Motherholme were somehow stronger, more so in one direction. She turned toward it and pushed sharp branches out of her way. Dense whiplit fronds, their curly strands damp from the night, pressed against her legs, making progress difficult. She caught a glimpse of blue and red laser fans sweeping through the tangle of trees and froze. She was all too familiar with the strobes on Ellezelin support capsules by now. This one was just outside the force field, flying slowly along a shallow curve: some patrol scanning for citizens seeking escape from the invasion. The minds of the crew and paramilitary squad inside emitted ...