In a dystopian future, humanity is subjugated by an alien race known as the podians, who control the planet through mental manipulation and capture of the brightest minds. The story follows Pawl, a weary survivor who has evaded capture for years, and Lura, a girl traumatized by the loss of her loved ones to the podians. After a harrowing encounter with the aliens, they escape into the wilderness, where they confront their fears and the reality of their situation. Pawl and Lura's journey leads them to a mathematician, Vandergrift, who possesses crucial knowledge about the podians' patrols and their methods of control. As they work together, they uncover the complexities of the podians' strategies, which involve a random element to their patrols, allowing for the possibility of evasion. Vandergrift theorizes that the podians need humans for their intelligence and creativity, but they also fear the potential for rebellion. As they delve deeper into the mathematician's theories, Pawl becomes increasingly aware of the need for a solution to the podian threat. He grapples with the legacy of past scientists, particularly Hall and Steinberg, who attempted to devise a way to defeat the aliens but ultimately failed. Pawl's determination to find a "hideaway" where humans can be safe from the podians drives the narrative forward. The trio's quest leads them to a hidden location where they believe they can develop a plan to resist the podians. However, as they navigate the dangers of their world, they encounter unexpected challenges, including the emotional toll of their situation and the realization that the podians are always watching. In a climactic moment, Pawl discovers a group of children who have been raised near a podian station, conditioned to be immune to the aliens' mental control. This revelation offers a glimmer of hope for humanity's future, as the children represent a new generation that could potentially break free from the podians' grasp. The story culminates in a profound exploration of survival, resistance, and the potential for human ingenuity to overcome oppression. The concept of a "hideaway" evolves from a physical location to a metaphor for the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of a future where humanity can reclaim its autonomy.
By F.L. Wallace · First published 1995 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure