Rift Breaker by Tristan Michael Savage Page B

endowed with perfect holo-screen resolution. Other sections of the ceiling lit and Milton looked up and twisted on the spot. There was no sound, but the message was clear.
    Milton saw his face, and the faces of Tazman and Luylla. The confused trio was shown on the streets of Lubric, ‘escaping authority’, as the caption was phrased. Footage of the Inhibitan flying through orbital defences played continuously.
    Text in foreign languages flashed at increasing speed. Many different creatures expressed opinions on the matter. They all had the same accusing messages, and all bore the mark of the Tranquillian Composite.
    The ceiling blanked. The lights rose and it reverted to its smooth mineral-like surface. The round chamber was a smooth geometric shape. Purple columns were spaced evenly along the wall. Milton could not see any light sources.
    â€˜These messages are spreading across your galaxy,’ explained Reelai. His voice echoed. ‘We are aware of your innocence and you are free to stay at this facility for the time we will take to solve this problem.’
    â€˜Who is “we”?’ asked Tazman.
    â€˜Alliance with us would provide a greater chance of defeating the Vellnoa. They are the true enemies here.’
    â€˜You’re saying the Vellnoa did this? What are they?’ asked Luylla.
    Reelai answered, ‘The Vellnoa is a race of beings genetically similar to our own. For eons they have manipulated the fabric of the universe to their own ends. They are extremely dangerous and can break open rift gates with mere thought.’
    â€˜Rift gates?’ asked Milton.
    â€˜Space has potential to fold. Two sides of a vast distance can be brought together, so that they are a mere footstep away. A rift gate is the portal that connects them. The Vellnoa are able to travel interstellar distances without need of a vessel. This method is instantaneous.’
    â€˜Yer, okay,’ interrupted Luylla. ‘That’s a nice little story, but how are you going to help me clear my name? Can you testify to all of that to the Composite? Perhaps provide some proof to get this damn bounty off my head?’
    â€˜I’m afraid we cannot assist in the manner you describe,’ explained Reelai. ‘Time is of the essence and our resources are required elsewhere.’
    â€˜This is ridiculous,’ screamed Luylla. ‘I’ve had enough.’ She turned to Milton. ‘You hitch a ride and run away without paying, you get me in trouble with the law, drag me out to the middle of nowhere and you tamper with my phutting ship! For what? Fairytales? If these guys are no help, if they are as useless as you two idiots,’ she pointed hard into his chest, ‘then the least you can do is give me my money!’
    Something landed at their feet. Luylla glanced down. A Lubrician money pouch lay on the floor. Octagon-shaped platinum tokens had scattered out from its opening.
    â€˜You are free to leave,’ boomed Reelai.
    Luylla shoved Milton back and dropped to collect the currency.
    â€˜Nothing can express our gratitude,’ said Reelai.
    â€˜I suppose at this point I would say something along the lines of “it was a pleasure doing business with you”, but it’s below me to lie.’ Luylla stood and pulled the pouch cord shut. ‘Good riddance.’ She turned and marched back down the hallway. The more distance she gained, the more Tazman’s tail drooped to the ground. When she disappeared his ears twitched in her direction and he sighed.
    Milton turned back to Reelai. ‘What do the Vellnoa have to do with us?’ he asked.
    Reelai turned his gaze to Milton and stared, as if appealing to his very soul. ‘You’ve been having dreams, visions perhaps?’
    Milton looked at the floor. ‘Yes.’
    â€˜Their essence flows through your veins. Somehow, you are like them. You are a Rift Breaker.’ Milton thought of his dreams. He knew there