The area surrounding him remained clear of the Taint, even the areas outside of the Wanderer’s safe zone. Things were changing, though. In the far distance systems were becoming blurry. Some were disappearing into the chaotic haze of colours that represented the Taint.
Not stopping to consider what he was doing, Jess launched himself outward. Not in one direction. In all directions. There was no care this time, no testing for hidden dangers. He was grabbing everything he could, sweeping it into his control. What he needed more than anything else was control of the jump engines but there was no time to be selective.
Jess cried out as hundreds of invisible knives plunged into his body and his mind. They tore at him, slowing him down. Each represented a trap, something left behind
