mysterious-barrier
A vast crystal wall has appeared, isolating the characters' world from their ancestral planet and complicating their response efforts.
2 chapters across 1 book
The Fugitive Worlds (1990)Bob Shaw
In Chapter 12 of The Fugitive Worlds, Cassyll Maraquine and his friend Bartan Drumme discuss the dire situation facing their world, including the deteriorating health of Daseene, the mysterious barrier now spanning nearly a hundred miles, and the lack of available ships to respond to the crisis. Cassyll expresses deep concern over the implications of a newly appeared blue world and the crystal wall separating them from their ancestral planet, while Bartan offers cautious optimism about the return of Toller, who may hold the key to their predicament.
In this chapter, Queen Daseene confronts Cassyll Maraquine about the limited number of ships prepared, revealing tensions over resource constraints and political maneuvering. Cassyll attempts to inform the Queen about a mysterious barrier between Land and Overland and the need for scientific advisors to accompany the fleet, but Daseene firmly refuses, emphasizing control and duty over personal concerns. The interaction highlights the strained relationship between authority and expertise amid a crisis.