I think this was within the last ten years, possibly Baen, certainly their sort of fiction, one sequel that I know of.
Spaceships leaving Earth are all destroyed by the sphere containing the solar system. The inventor of a new drive insists on a human pilot for the next test (maybe called Adrianne). All humans are brain-network linked to varying extents. On using new drive they find a new space that completely shuts down all implants, which sends one heavily network dependent human into a coma. The pilot almost manages to avoid a collision with a space station.
The humans send a team into the space station where they meet an alien who tries to trick them, but they trick him. This station is linked? to a gigantic installation (self aware ?) with thousands of alien races that compete for prestige and power.
This is maybe 2/3rds into the book, and where I put it down. Never found it again. The sequel was promised in the books blurb and may or may not have happened.
Spaceships leaving Earth are all destroyed by the sphere containing the solar system. The inventor of a new drive insists on a human pilot for the next test (maybe called Adrianne). All humans are brain-network linked to varying extents. On using new drive they find a new space that completely shuts down all implants, which sends one heavily network dependent human into a coma. The pilot almost manages to avoid a collision with a space station.
The humans send a team into the space station where they meet an alien who tries to trick them, but they trick him. This station is linked? to a gigantic installation (self aware ?) with thousands of alien races that compete for prestige and power.
This is maybe 2/3rds into the book, and where I put it down. Never found it again. The sequel was promised in the books blurb and may or may not have happened.
