
In a sleek, high‑tech university complex perched beside a bustling spaceport, micromachinist Arlene Rolf and marine geologist Frank Harding slip through a tightly controlled courtyard, their access flagged by an unforgiving scanner. The transparent gate that seals a hidden tunnel flashes a red warning, refusing entry to anyone not on a privileged list. Their banter hints at a clandestine effort led by the enigmatic Dr. Ben Lowry—something involving “diex energy” and a mysterious “somatic barrier” that can turn a simple misstep into a lethal trap.
Together they navigate the thin line between authorized science and forbidden power, each visit bringing them closer to the secret that could reshape the world’s balance. As they prepare to breach the barrier, the story unfolds with a blend of technical intrigue and personal stakes, drawing listeners into a tense, near‑future mystery where every decision could trigger consequences far beyond the university walls.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (60K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
New York, NY: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company, 1962.
Credits
Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2023-11-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1911–1981
Known for fast, clever science fiction and unusually capable heroines, this mid-20th-century writer built a loyal following with stories that still feel lively and smart. His work ranges from sharp short fiction to popular adventures in the Hub and Telzey Amberdon series.
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