Bitek

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For the Ugandan poet, see Okot p'Bitek

Bitek is a fictional substance mentioned numerous times in the Night's Dawn Trilogy by Peter F. Hamilton. Bitek is in essence a supremely advanced Edenist biotechnology which can grow and change shape.

Edenists use bitek for almost everything. For example, a bitek spider can be used to spy on others covertly, since it can have sensors and a broadcaster. Voidhawks (Edenist spaceships) and habitats are almost entirely made of Bitek which are grown from genetically engineered eggs and or seeds, respectively and are later adapted through various means.

Bitek habitats are essentially gigantic living biospheres; the Bitek habitats like the Voidhawks are sentient in and off themselves and are controlled through telepathy which allows them to readily adapt and to grow functions to suit the needs of their inhabitants. Bitek habitats usually orbit around gas giants and some, e.g. Tranquillity, have the ability to "jump" away from a battle.