Metadimensional Space

Content Warning: Getting Lost in Space

After centuries of study, we barely know anything about the metadimension. Physics as we know it doesn't apply to this ulterior space, and its dangers prohibit prolonged study. We know two key things: firstly that traversing it is vital to our interstellar way of life, and secondly, that doing so invites its energies into our minds.

The Metadimension

Metadimensional space, or the metadimension, is a higher-order continuum that exists alongside our universe. What was originally called "dark matter" was eventually proven to be this separate plane of existence "bleeding" through to ours and pushing our universe apart. If this metadimension could interact with our universe, then it seemed only logical that we could find ways to interact with it.

In and Out

Today, the Spike Drive allows ships to traverse metadimensional space. This traversal led to MES - a condition that causes metadimensional energy to invade the brain. If controlled, this becomes Psionics. If not, the individual becomes a Feral psion.

Though current technology can't send individuals into metadimensional space, it's theorized the psionic discipline of

Icon for Teleportation

Teleportation does exactly that.

Space and Time

Pathways through the metadimension don't align with distances in our universe. These pathways can connect opposite ends of the galaxy in a week of travel, but keep a stellar neighbor impossibly far away.

The dimension may also affect time or our perception of it. Theories of a quantum nature of the metadimension would explain certain aspects of psionics, such as

Icon for Precognition

Precognition, but thus far can't be proven.

Empty Graveyard

The metadimension is a dark, iridescent void that's constantly shifting and changing. Nothing seems to exist within in it - no planets, stars, landmarks, or other physical objects have ever been found. Ships taking the same route will never see each other. There aren't even signs of the drones and ships that have entered the space and never returned.

The only thing that seems to penetrate the void are SOS beacons, yet none who've followed them have found what they sought. Most were never found themselves.

Did you know?

Many describe feeling weightless upon entering the metadimension, regardless of the ship's artificial gravity. Some report a buzzing sound, a tingling sensation across their scalp, and sometimes a faint taste of strawberries.

Dangers

Fuel Reserves

Specific fuel is needed to travel the metadimension, and getting lost can easily mean becoming trapped.

Shifting Pathways

The ever-shifting nature of the metadimension means pathways change or disappear if not maintained.

Storms

Metadimensional Storms can disrupt pathways, damage or destroy ships, or throw them off their intended course.

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Metaphysics

Centuries ago, "metaphysics" was a field of philosophy that examined the structure of reality. Over time, those who studied the metadimension came to be called metaphysicists, and metaphysics became the partner to astrophysics.
Philosophers of formerly-known-as metaphysics held onto the name for as long as they could, but eventually the field divided into protaphilosophy, which focuses on the initial conditions of the universe, and zoiphilosophy, which focuses on concepts of life and identity.

Related Fields

Space Travel

Pilots reach other stellar systems by way of the metadimension

Psionics

Psions control metadimensional energy to perform superhuman feats

Mapmaking

Surveying the metadimension for new, safer, or faster pathways

You talk like the metadimension is a thinking being, but it's no more alive than the wind. It can't have wants or intent. To claim it does is wishful thinking, that there's some malicious force out there you can blame your problems on.

— Exasperated metaphysicist