Schild’s Ladder

Грег Иган

In Schild’s Ladder, humanity has transcended both death and Earth, anddiscovered its home world is nearly unique as a cradle of life. As it spreadsthroughout the galaxy, humanity enjoys an almost utopian existence — until ascientist accidentally creates an impenetrable, steadily expanding vacuum thatdevours star systems and threatens the entire universe with destruction. Tchicaya is a Yielder, member of the faction that believes this "novo-vacuum"deserves study. The opposing Preservationists — among them Mariama, his firstlove — seek to save worlds and destroy the novo-vacuum. Discord heats toterrorist violence; then enmities and alliances are turned upside-down by adiscovery that may mean the novo-vacuum is, instead, a new and very differentuniverse — and one which may contain life.