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Wormholes
Hypothetical traversable wormholes may be possible according to solutions for the equations describing general relativity within the real universe. This is if they can be stabilised through negative-energy density exotic matter (Casimir effect constraints and all that). There are even solutions in which natural wormholes can exist and have done since the early universe, being held open by negative mass cosmic strings.
In Phoenix we use Inter-spatial Resonance (ISR) as a base mechanic. While not Newtonian in terms of absolute location, it does define all parts of the universe as having a definite resonance. This resonance is not well understood, at least not by anyone other than a few boffins deep in research labs and the occasional exotic alien species who are even more inscrutable. Most bandy the word subspace and shrug.
There are two things that are commonly known by star captains, this is that there are epiphenomenon called subspace drift and subspace oscillation.
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The former is believed to be related to the expansion of the universe – it seems that the decoupling of energy and mass in the early universe may be just one decoupling of exotic states. The decoupling of space and subspace (all those little dimensions curled up on themselves) meant that given a period of time the constants used to determine jump parameters will change and in unpredictable ways. Professors of esoteric subjects say it is due to cosmic strings and point apologetically at superclusters and the general clumpiness of the universe. They may even dumb it down and say it is not unlike the ripples in sand left behind by the tide. The changes to the constants are analogous to the seawater in contact with the seabed moving over these ripples but also reforming them. Then again they will say anything to ensure their tenure.
The phenomena of subspace oscillation is however a much more extreme version of subspace drift, changing the localised resonance of a region of space by huge amounts. There is some support for these natural wormholes to be from the dawn of time for two good reasons – first, they do not have a shell of exotic matter associated with their openings and secondly there is evidence for them also exhibiting subspace drift. There are rumours (of closely guarded research by certain affiliations) that point towards wormholes naturally changing which systems they connect to.
There are some indications that cosmic strings with 'loose ends' may be responsible for the vast majority of natural wormholes. This would explain why one end of the wormhole is constrained within a region of space though the other end appears to move between systems. It is of course more complicated than that and it may well be proved that in fact it is one of the higher dimension knots described in m-theory that accounts for the localised changes in resonance. Suffice to say, most wormholes have one end that changes its resonance. Each resonance point matches that of another region of space, resulting in the wormhole leading to a new region of space. The two ends are therefore referred to as origin and end-point. The end-point being the side of the wormhole that 'leaps around the universe'.
As natural wormholes are linked to ISR to some degree, it explains why wormholes appear to have a limit on the distance they can span. This is somewhere in the region of a few hundred light years. It is almost certainly a function of the upper limit of the negative-mass cosmic strings generated by the Big Bang.
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Of Wormhole Anchors
While natural wormholes are an accepted part of the Phoenix universe, there are those that have found it horribly inconvenient that they tend to undergo subspace oscillation, connecting with multiple locations. Efforts have therefore been made to anchor a wormhole between two regions of space. This would not have been possible without the discovery of gravitron. Gravitron is a peculiar mineral that under normal circumstances is nothing more than dull grey rock. If however it is subjected to certain fields it will induce a negative gravity field. There are even rumours of a world where both gravitron and these fields exist simultaneously – resulting in large floating islands.
While gravitron has positive mass, its ability to generate a negative gravity field can be used to approximate to negative-energy when cleverly applied to a natural wormhole. When done so in sufficient amounts it stops the wormhole cycling. There are two leading theories on this – the first is that it absorbs energy from the wormhole, preventing this from leading to instabilities that eventually cause it to jump its resonance cycle. The other is that it establishes an exotic matter sphere at the opening in order to generate a new Lorentzian wormhole within the existing one. Either way it seems to work.
Closed Wormholes
Even though a wormhole is only ever traversable between two points, there are indications that it is still connected to all the points (largely in agreement with m-theory). It is possible to pick-up energy fields in proximity of the closed end. These readings are so weak that unless the region of space has already been identified, such as when the wormhole's endpoint connects there, that they would not be discovered without a lot of research into local stellar cartography. There are some that even speculate that this might be used to send energy through a closed wormhole.
WoMD and Wormholes
There comes a time when an open wormhole is an open invitation to be invaded. The solution – wing a few nukes down the wormhole and blow it up. Unfortunately, something forged in the early universe and enduring for billions of years is not so easy to destroy. It can however be done through the timely and careful detonation of a few nukes while within the wormhole. There are so many critical parameters that simply firing a salvo into a wormhole will not work. For a start, entering a wormhole requires the negotiation of the entrance – this needing the full guidance system of a starship. There are also a lot of complicated mechanics involved in the launch – something only an officer with quite a lot of skill can achieve.
In other words it is final trip of a dedicated crew captained by an exemplary officer.
Finally, it is only a temporary solution. The maths indicate that there is also increasing resistance to sequential attempts. The first successful closure is believed to have lasted a year, but following suicide runs proved significantly less impressive. At best it is a sacrifice to buy time to meet the invasion through construction or diplomacy.
Other Wormholes
There are other types of wormhole on Phoenix referred to as artificial or induced. The artificial wormhole of Dyson is similar to a Schwarzchild wormhole though the mechanics of its formation and manipulation are a well-kept secret (either that or the people responsible for its use haven't a clue and use the controls created by the Architects). Threats to open the wormhole directly on a world have so far failed to come to pass. It seems unlikely that a wormhole could be opened on a world with a stable ISR field. There is even some speculation that attempting it would cause a feedback loop capable of destroying the entire Sphere.
There are induced wormholes, spontaneously created through the collapse of a gas giant that exhibits peculiar phenomena. There is debate as to whether this is not in fact a natural wormhole that is actually closed. The reason for its closure could be that subspace drift caused either the origin or one of the endpoints to align with a large gravitational well such as a giant. This would in theory cause energy and mass bleed into the wormhole each time it attempted to open, causing disruption. If a method could be determined to hold the opening open or lower local energy, the wormhole could be induced to expand, either swallowing the giant whole or destroying it utterly.
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
Aladdin faces ongoing DNA/GTT tension
The tensions between the DNA and GTT in the Coptuv system recently spilled over into the DNA system of Aladdin. A significant party of GTT ground troops has reinforced one of their bases in the system and claimed it, forcing the system claim into turmoil as the DNA finds itself under threat of losing the system. With the DNA chairman asking for help, several affiliations have been seen sending ships to evacuate any in the local population that want to escape the GTT. But so far not a shot has been fired and despite the AFT, FEL and DTR assistance no reisistance to the claim jump has been encountered so far. It remains to be seen if the DNA and it's friends will scatter before this hostile take over or put in a last minute counter claim to thwart GTT intentions.
Increasing pirate activity
Recent reports indicate a new surge in pirate attacks with the AFT and GTT reporting ships lost. Knowing how some don't like to advertise losses we wouldn't be surprised if this is the tip of the iceberg. Reports passed to us show the ship PIR Scavenger running ID 43174 and another ship of the same name running ID 68668 have both been in action with successful boarding attempts. It's unknown whether these are seperate ships or the same ship reregistered, but our information suggests that it would be hard for these pirates to cover the space where these attacks happened with just one ship. One thing is for sure, be on your guard as open space is not as safe as it once was.
GCE ships loitering in deep space
After the fall of the GCE and a lot of their assets being shared or purchased it was thought that the affiliation was no more. Yet deep space scans indicate that there is still a significant number of GCE warships holding station in deep space between Coptuv and Yank on the transport route into the Corwards Arm. Nobody knows what these ships are up to and why they are still flagged GCE, but our best guess is that are captains either awaiting new orders or owners after the fall of the GCE command structure.
*** Affiliations ***
AFT Association of Free Traders (54) - Marion Tweedy BLG Bolg Organisation (22) - Akhenaten BHD Brotherhood (63) - de Molay CIA Combined Intelligence Agency (64) - Laton CIA DNA Displaced Natives Asylum (66) - DNA people DTR Detinus Republic (58) - Morley Decker DWK Dewiek Packs (19) - <Unknown> FCN Falconian Republic (70) – Graspien FEL Felini Tyranny (49) - Kr'Shan FLZ Flagritz Republic (47) - Kayxaer FET Frontier Exploration & Trade (56) - Cu Chulainn GTT Galactic Trade & Transport (52) - Xavier Fox HEX Hexamon (23) - Tranquility KRL Krell (30) - Namica KRT Krell of the Reverence Temple (37) - Cyn KST Kastor Kastorians (12) - Kastor MOH Mohache (73) – Listens NHS Noble Houses (41) – Roy Roberts NLF Naplian Liberation Front (38) - NLFHQ SMS Stellar Mining and Smelting (53) - MikhailM WMB Wimble Nations (25) - zz
* Leader MAY be inactive, affiliation may be active ** Only known contact, please update us if this is incorrect.
NPC / FoC: ARC, CIV, CGT, FRE, HBO, HEF, IND, ISP, JCN, MEK, MRC, PIR, PRV, TCA, TRN, KAS Inactive: ANT, COD, DEN, DOM, GCE, HVE, IDC, IMP, RIP, RCF, SKW, TAG,
*** Submissions ***
By private message to The Editor or via Mica if you prefer to remain anonymous. |
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*** Inter Galactic News ***
Tension in the Corewards Arm
With the DNA obtaining several ex-GCE bases in the Coreward Arm it has found itself in the middle of an asset grab of serious proportions and aggression. Our reporters witnessed several GTT troop carriers heading for the Corewards system as the DNA published information suggesting they were accidental owners of the system and that the assets were to be moved on. As the GTT ships started to arrive the bases were quickly passed to the CIA, thus thwarting the GTT intentions as they were hardly likely to start dropping troops on their allies bases. This shrew move by the DNA seems to have calmed matters in the Coreward arm temporarily, although the shift in relations between the GTT and DNA has taken a negative turn. When asked what their next move might be the GTT refused to comment.
GCE collapse
The GCE are no more, save for some scattered light freighters. The affiliation which enjoyed a sharp rise and profiltable relations with many has ceased trading. Rumors point to the GTT buying up GCE assets before stripping the rival corporation of anything of value. Although our reporters at the SSS have been quick to point out that any GCE assets not in GTT systems have been taken over by both the DNA and FET. So it seems many different affiliations were able to profit from this development including a new group called the HSH who appear to have taken over the GCE war fleet. No doubt many in the peripheries will be watching with interest where these ships are used, who the HSH are and how they were able to get thier hands on so many warships so quickly.
Secudus trials
In the Cluster Secudus has continued his trials, claiming to root out terrorists working against the Empire. With tends of thousands of beings being sent to the camps or worse. There is no sign of these actions stopping as the NHS clamp down on the locals and bring them under the harsh control of the Empire.
*** Affiliations ***
AFT Association of Free Traders (54) - Marion Tweedy BLG Bolg Organisation (22) - Akhenaten BHD Brotherhood (63) - de Molay CIA Combined Intelligence Agency (64) - Laton CIA DNA Displaced Natives Asylum (66) - DNA people DTR Detinus Republic (58) - Morley Decker DWK Dewiek Packs (19) - <Unknown> FCN Falconian Republic (70) – <Unknown> FEL Felini Tyranny (49) - Juris FLZ Flagritz Republic (47) - Kayxaer FET Frontier Exploration & Trade (56) - Cu Chulainn GTT Galactic Trade & Transport (52) - Xavier Fox HEX Hexamon (23) - Tranquility KRL Krell (30) - Namica KRT Krell of the Reverence Temple (37) - Cyn KST Kastor Kastorians (12) - Kastor MOH Mohache (73) – Listens NHS Noble Houses (41) – Roy Roberts NLF Naplian Liberation Front (38) - NLFHQ SMS Stellar Mining and Smelting (53) - MikhailM WMB Wimble Nations (25) - zz
* Leader MAY be inactive, affiliation may be active ** Only known contact, please update us if this is incorrect.
NPC / FoC: ARC, CIV, CGT, FRE, HBO, HEF, IND, ISP, JCN, MEK, MRC, PIR, PRV, TCA, TRN, KAS Inactive: ANT, COD, DEN, DOM, GCE, HVE, IDC, IMP, RIP, RCF, SKW, TAG,
*** Submissions ***
By private message to The Editor or via Mica if you prefer to remain anonymous. |
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******Empire Syndicated News Network (ESNN) ******

Welcome to the latest version of ESNN, giving the news and views from the ESNN's reporter and news anchor, Ainsley Moore, making this the peripheries' most favourite and most reliable unbiased publication in the known universe from our home in the Heartland,
And so with the news from the last couple of weeks,
Cluster War! DNA Gather Fruit
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******Empire Syndicated News Network (ESNN) ******

Welcome to the latest version of ESNN, giving the news and views from the ESNN's reporter and news anchor, Ainsley Moore, making this the peripheries' most favourite unbiased publication in the known universe from our home in the Heartland,
And so with the news from the last few weeks,
Cluster War! MZC attacks DNA
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 *** Inter Galactic News ***
The Dewiek rise again!
After the death and destruction wrought upon the Dewiek Nation by the Architects, there was a period of calm if you were a werewolf fancier. But now the Dewiek have risen to once more in the name of the Dewiek Packs, led by Skarn. Their new message being one of peace, a most unusual change for the large humanoid wolves. While they rise from the ashes of the Mizuchi Combine the Galaxy waits to see how this new affiliation acts, baring in mind the Dewiek have something of reputation.
Empire invade the Cluster!
A significant force of GTT warships recently entered the Cluster, somewhere they have not seen the need to go for a very long time. At the same time the CIA banned the Dewiek Packs from it’s space and also sent a large number of warships into the Cluster to bolster the GTT’s presence. After this show of force the Crossley system, known for it’s wormhole connecting from the Cluster to CIA space shifted to be claimed by the GTT. Currently the Empire has over 200,000 troops and 2000 warships roaming the nearby systems. Inhabitants of the Cluster are waiting to see if there are any further developments. GTT CEO Xavier Fox when asked by our office dismissed it as a “Training exercise”.
Krell sale!
The Krell Clan Dark Angels has been selling off bases, outposts and even systems lately. It is unknown why they have decided to cash in their assets and territories, but it points to the accumulation of significant wealth by the Krell clan. If you have any spare cash and want to expand your assets then it seems to our office that the best place to go is the Dark Angel Clan and ask what will be going up for sale next, assuming they actually have anything left.
*** Affiliations ***
AFT Association of Free Traders (54) - Marion Tweedy BLG Bolg Organisation (22) - Akhenaten BHD Brotherhood (63) - de Molay CIA Combined Intelligence Agency (64) - Laton CIA DNA Displaced Natives Asylum (66) - DNA people DTR Detinus Republic (58) - Morley Decker DEN Dewiek Elder Nation (67) - <unknown> DWK Dewiek Packs (19) - Skarn FCN Falconian Republic (70) – Bacran * FEL Felini Tyranny (49) - Juris FLZ Flagritz Republic (47) - Kayxaer FET Frontier Exploration & Trade (56) - Cu Chulainn GTT Galactic Trade & Transport (52) - Xavier Fox GCE Garcia Enterprises (4) - Neil HEX Hexamon (23) - <unknown> KRL Krell (30) - Namica KRT Krell of the Reverence Temple (37) - Kal Torak KST Kastor Kastorians (12) - Kastor MZC Mizuchi Combine (86) - Mizuchi MOH Mohache (73) – Listens NHS Noble Houses (41) – Roy Roberts NLF Naplian Liberation Front (38) - NLFHQ SMS Stellar Mining and Smelting (53) - MikhailM WMB Wimble Nations (25) - zz
* Leader MAY be inactive, affiliation may be active ** Only known contact, please update us if this is incorrect.
NPC / FoC: ARC, CIV, CGT, FRE, HBO, HEF, IND, ISP, JCN, MEK, MRC, PIR, PRV, TCA, TRN, KAS Inactive: ANT, COD, DOM, HVE, IDC, IMP, RIP, RCF, SKW, TAG
*** Submissions ***
By private message to The Editor or via Mica if you prefer to remain anonymous.
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GTT step forward to control protection and peace in the Stellar Empire.
With the retirement of Jack Johns and various lower-level IMP officers from public life, the Imperial Services were left on the verge of being unable to fill their role as protectors of the Stellar Empire. Due to the serious nature the Imperial Services found itself in, the Emperor recently travelled to GTT HQ to attend a board meeting with the directors of the GTT.
With Galactic Trade and Transport being one of the few remaining loyal Imperial Chartered affiliations, who also supply well over half of the war material to the Imperial Services, the Emperor sought the position of the GTT with regard to the Imperial Services becoming overburdened with bureaucracy and lacking effective leadership. Effectively the Imperial Services were at the point of collapse. A position highlighted when an opportunistic supposed ally subverted four Imperial Outposts in the Inner Empire, thinking their asset grabbing would go unnoticed.
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Star Date: 221.30.5

RAGNAROK COMES

A Forlorn Hope
The seat of Dewiek Government has fallen. What began as a small group of Architect ships picking up retreating DEN forces, amalgamated into a much larger force. The bombardment fleet comprised dozens of Adult ARC ships plus several Planet Killers. The force made short work of the impressive fortifications of the planetary orbit of Newstart. Multiple heavily armoured and maximised deflector shield platforms crumbled. They did so only after releasing their volleys of antimatter and nova weapon batteries. Any DEN warships that remained from earlier encounters also stood the line. But within the week, the last defence was gone.
Bombardment of Wolf Lair starbase proceeded without further resistance from the Dewiek. ARC Plasmas ripped through starbase shields. They demolished tens of thousands of factories and research facilities. The ARC demolished the huge military recruitment and training facilities on the planet. Over half a million trained troops evacuated from deep bunkers, leaving a token ground defence.
The ARC were not satisfied to burn the facilities and murder the workers. They deployed repeated salvos of their Virus Bombs on the wider population. Reports began to arrive of civilians of the world regressing. Leaving settlements and returning to nature. Much as the Dewiek found themselves some decades ago when they started to recover from the First Great ARC-DEN War. This time there was no High Lord Magnus willing to obliterate the world to save a remnant of the people. Newstart was already lost.
 Newstart is lost
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Star Date: 221.27.2

RAGNAROK APPROACHES

End Game Lost
A short-lived period of peace followed the Dewiek Elder Nation’s historic and Saga-worthy defence against the Architect Planet Killers. A handful of the more typically encountered ARC ships were spotted picking off DEN support ships in Forlorn Hope before more than forty of them appeared back in End Game.
While the ARC “Adult” class ships, as the DEN had previously classified them, were eight times smaller than the “Planet Killers”, they were still as big as the largest ships any other species has managed to produce. Including the otherwise technologically advanced Dewiek.
Forty-four of these Plasma armed organic vessels smashed through the DEN forces left circling the orbit of Beacon, End Game. The mass of ARC weapons bombarded the DEN Shipyards at Ragnorak with their superheated ionized gas, razing the entire outpost to the ground.
 ARC Plasma weapons devastate End Game
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Star Date: 221.22.5

RAGNAROK BECKONS

Assault on End Game
The ancient Architects have declared war on the Dewiek Elder Nation. The first sign of the conflict was subspace transmissions in a remote system in the Pocket Periphery. This followed reports that the ancient Ragnarok shipyards on Beacon were malfunctioning. In response, the Wolf Mother sent urgent orders to several Dewiek scout ships to patrol the End Game system.
The Konungr Smidamadr was the first to encounter the gigantic, “Planet Killer” class ARC ships. Measuring in at thirty-two hundred heavy hulls and armed with a hundred ARC plasma weapons, the ship was more like a mobile armed platform. It is certainly the largest vessel ever recorded. The scout ship was vaporised instantly.
 ARC Planet Killer dwarves largest DEN warships
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Star Date: 221.11.4

Caste Apart
The Flagritz Republic is (very nearly) no more. In its place, a single Hexamon and Flagritz power has arisen. The new Collective has absorbed much of the Flagritz holdings with only a handful of Clique-caste Flagritz systems choosing instead to align with the other Elder species, the Dewiek.
 Flagritz and Hexamon Hybrids - A hope for the Future?
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