Across the glade, appearing as though from nothingness itself, an object was taking shape—a metal globe. Bands of distortion surrounded it like ripples in water. For an instant the globe seemed unsubstantial, illusory—then it was solid, resting quietly on the floor of the glade.
Andy stood out in the small clearing, waving a goodbye to them, while behind him a strange metallic globe suddenly shimmered in the air....
Pearce watched it, his heart pounding.
"Andy!"
The call hit him like a physical blow. Stunned, he whirled to see Ellen hurrying toward him through the trees.
"Andy!" she cried again. "Are you all right?"
"Ellen!" he gasped. "What are you doing here? I thought you left with Dave."