"You are so far from being safe, long mammal. And running the wrong way."

There's a massive whump of impact as something heavy hits the nearby snow, something that click-click-click-click-click-click-clicks with clockwork monotony. As if to prove the voice right, though, the rain of stars continues.

The woods shake with impact. In the glow of the too-near craters, Lev can see a mechical woman, nearly six feet tall, broad and one-handed; the other arm ends in a strange gun.

"That tool a weapon or a mobility aid - and do you get vertigo easily?"