"Yes. At close observational ranges it results in a slight distortion—like a very clear lens, but—"
"Then the ship is ... invisible?" Aram asked incredulously.
Deve Jennet smiled. "Yes, among other things. And it prevents a radio echo being sent back to a detector, too."
Aram sank back thoughtfully. An invisible ship! His spaceman's mind toyed with the thought. It was like something from a naval officer's dream fantasies. A battleship so equipped could very nearly rule the plenum...! But Deve's next words cut that dream short.
"The field is so limited, though," she said, "that only a two-man scout can be equipped with it. And since the shield works two ways, the occupants of the ship are blind. Nothing outside the ship itself can be seen."
Jerrold was about to reply when Kant Mikal burst into the room. His grey hair was matted with blood, and his face was pale and drawn with pain and anxiety.
"I should have listened to you, Jerrold," he breathed heavily. "We should have moved out long ago!"
"Kant! You're hurt," cried Deve.
Mikal gestured impatiently. "It's nothing! We have to get out immediately! Get ready...!"