Beyond the Aquila Rift

A fragile network of planets and colonies created by settlers from Earth is connected by hyperspace gates—a gift from an unknown race. Navigators set the correct jump course by decoding the complex syntax of alien runes. And it’s obvious even to a fool: exploiting poorly studied alien technology can lead to nothing good. Yet corporations continue shipping goods along the familiar wing of the galaxy, without caring about the fates of individual crews—who, for unclear reasons, slip out of what seems like an established logistics system. Space will take care of them—but will everyone be pleased with such care?