Difference between revisions of "Stargate"

From Xeriar
Jump to navigationJump to search
Line 1: Line 1:
 
[[Stargate]]s, also termed ''Ferlin tunnels'', use massive amounts of solar power to warp spacetime in order to literally reduce the distance between two such devices.  While similar in concept to a wormhole, they do not bypass any intervening spacetime, and the gates are forced to remain nearly at rest with respect to one another.  The only motion they undergo is modification to accommodate changes in distance and vector between two [[star]]s.
 
[[Stargate]]s, also termed ''Ferlin tunnels'', use massive amounts of solar power to warp spacetime in order to literally reduce the distance between two such devices.  While similar in concept to a wormhole, they do not bypass any intervening spacetime, and the gates are forced to remain nearly at rest with respect to one another.  The only motion they undergo is modification to accommodate changes in distance and vector between two [[star]]s.
  
Like [[hyperspace]] points, in order to function, they need to be 'anchored' to a large mass - about a third of that needed for a hyperspacial anchor, or a little over half a solar mass. The first such gates had a maximum reach of a bit over four [[parsec]]s when formed, though later, more refined models can stretch close to twelve.  Once so anchored, and the necessary energy densities established, a proper stargate will become a stable feature of the stars it binds.  It will expand and contract to accommodate true velocity between the two, and actually work slightly to retard this motion.
+
In order to function, they need to be 'anchored' to a large [[mass]] - around half a solar mass, at a minimum. The first such gates had a maximum reach of a bit over four [[parsec]]s when formed, though later, more refined models can stretch close to twelve between large enough stars.  Once so anchored, and the necessary energy densities established, a proper stargate will become a stable feature of the stars it binds.  It will expand and contract to accommodate true velocity between the two, and actually work slightly to retard this motion.
  
Physically, the tunnel itself is exceedingly tiny when viewed from the outside - smaller than an atom, it is actually possible for [[ship]]s to fly through it.  The inside, on the other hand, is several kilometers in diameter, though the actual depth is only a few millimeters.  The physical hulls of each gate are joined together on the inside, to help prevent collisions and to maintain the field.
+
Physically, the tunnel itself is exceedingly tiny when viewed from the outside - smaller than an atom, it is actually possible for [[ship]]s to fly over it with a measure of safety.  The inside, on the other hand, is at least several kilometers in diameter, though the actual depth is only a few millimeters.  The physical hulls of each gate are joined together on the inside, to help prevent collisions and to help maintain the field.
  
A hemispherical cap covers each mouth, maintaining the 'spacial bleed' region surrounding each, which performs the reverse of what the stargate does - increasing the volume of space in a region between the gate and its host star.  Thus, in order to make a [[superluminal]] transit between two stars, a ship cannot fly straight through, but must instead weave through in an s-pattern.
+
A hemispherical cap covers each mouth, maintaining the 'spacial bleed' region surrounding each, which performs the reverse of what the stargate does - increasing the volume of space in a region between the gate and its host star.  Thus, in order to make a [[superluminal]] transit between two stars, a ship cannot fly straight through, but must instead weave through in an s-pattern.  Most such gates, therefor, look like half an ellipsoid, the rounded end pointing at the local star.  A sectioned ring opens the way into the structure in the back, allowing transit.
  
Once established, a well-built gate will use its altering of spacetime geometry to reinforce it - making them extremely difficult to destroy as immense tidal forces rip apart kinetic projectiles and redshift light to 'safer' values.  Most stargates are not destroyed in combat, but rather by stellar motion bringing the path of two stargates to cross each other.  This creates a violent reaction similar to a matter-antimatter one, releasing the immense energies used in their construction.  Because of this, engineers are rarely too zealous about making the web of stargates 'too thick'.
+
Once established, a well-built gate will use its altering of spacetime geometry to reinforce it - making them extremely difficult to destroy as immense tidal forces rip apart kinetic projectiles and redshift light to 'safer' values.  Most stargates are not destroyed in combat, but rather by stellar motion bringing the path of one stargate pair across the actual physical structure of another.  This creates a violent reaction similar to a matter-antimatter one, releasing the immense energies used in the construction of the victimized gate.  Because of this, engineers are rarely too zealous about making the web of stargates 'too thick'.
  
If a star's motion should take it outside the gates' mutual range, their deactivation is usually much less dramatic, with the energy slowly being released over the course of several years on each side.  The gate can then be used to link to a new star, deconstructed for raw materials, etc.  On the other end, gates being actively linked are also generally quite visible, as the host star's light is usually focussed into such a tight beam that it fluoresces the interplanetary medium.
+
If a star's motion should take it outside the gates' mutual range, or if two lines cross between the physical stargates, their deactivation is usually much less dramatic than a collision, with the energy slowly being released over the course of several years on each side.  The gate can then be used to link to a new star, deconstructed for raw materials, etc.  On the other end, gates being actively linked are also generally quite visible, as the host star's light is usually focussed into such a tight beam that it fluoresces the interplanetary medium.
  
 
== Pre-Purge Gates ==
 
== Pre-Purge Gates ==
Only two sorts of [[hyperspace]] jump points can be considered permanent - those anchored to a large [[neutron star]] or [[quark star]], and those anchored to a [[black hole]].  For the [[renlai]] and [[soronen]], this was no big deal - the former built the system and the latter eventually figured out how to exploit it.
+
The [[Triad]] were entirely dependent on what the [[First]] cared to provide to them, which was merely the means to relink [[stargate]]s to nearby [[star system]]s, and established access to a [[black hole]] so that they could deal with a newborn [[cerevate]] race should they find one.  While extremely generous of them, they never properly understood how these mechanisms worked, and could not grow beyond the limits of those gates that they were able to activate.
  
For the [[Triad]], this meant that their growth was entirely dependent on what the [[First]] cared to provide to them, which was merely the means to relink [[stargate]]s to nearby [[star system]]s, along with access to several jump points so that they could coordinate assaults on newborn [[cerevate]] races should they find themWhile extremely generous of them, they never properly understood how these mechanisms worked, and could not grow beyond the limits of those gates that they were able to activate.
+
This, fundamentally, was a subset of those [[stargate]]s that the [[Renlai]] and [[Soronen]] had constructedMany were destroyed - intentionally or accidentally - and the simple passage of time de-linked many.  Even still, this left them in control of billions of [[star]]s, held together by blind theocracy.
  
Even still, this left them in control of millions of [[star]]sEven before the [[Purge]], they were constantly near fracture, only blind theocracy holding them together.
+
=== Renlai Gates ===
 +
Many of the renlai gates have decayed through one fashion or another over the aeons.  Even still, billions remain.  Tau Ceti, Gliese 783 and 82 Eridani all had remnants of such gates, which humans used to expedite the process of settling these systems.  See [[Cetan civilization]].
 +
 
 +
=== Soronen Gates ===
 +
The soronen gates include a number of renlai constructions that were repaired and refitted to their needsThey did not reach a black hole before the [[First]] found them, and thus were limited to only a few million star systems.  Building on the knowledge of their predecessors, theirs are the most durable of the ancient gates, and though stellar motion has scattered many of them across the galaxy, a vast quantity of them - about 60% - remain in a general cluster.  Many call it the [[Soronen cluster]], though it is predominately controlled by the [[Khavene]].
  
 
=== Human Gates ===
 
=== Human Gates ===
[[Human]]s began constructing their stargates in waves.  The first wave went to the nearest eight 'major' [[star]]s, of around .6 Solar masses and higher.
+
[[Human]]s began constructing their stargates in waves.  The first wave went to the nearest eight 'major' [[star]]s, of around .6 Solar masses and higher, and the second went to another twelve, though that set was destroyed.
  
 
* [[Alpha Centauri]] (4.36) - The first gate constructed, activated by the [[Centaurus Mission]].  It is sometimes called the [[Centaurus Gate]].   
 
* [[Alpha Centauri]] (4.36) - The first gate constructed, activated by the [[Centaurus Mission]].  It is sometimes called the [[Centaurus Gate]].   
Line 33: Line 37:
 
** Second-wave gates to Keid and [[Groombridge 1618]].
 
** Second-wave gates to Keid and [[Groombridge 1618]].
 
* [[61 Cygni]] (11.40) - Activated by the [[Cygnus Mission]].
 
* [[61 Cygni]] (11.40) - Activated by the [[Cygnus Mission]].
** Second-wave gates lead to [[Altair]], [[Alsafi]], [[Eta Cassiopei]], Van Maanen's Star, and [[70 Ophiuchi]].
+
** Second-wave gates lead to [[Altair]], [[Alsafi]], [[Eta Cassiopeiae]], Van Maanen's Star, and [[70 Ophiuchi]].
 
* [[Epsilon Indi]] (11.82) - By the [[Indus Mission]].
 
* [[Epsilon Indi]] (11.82) - By the [[Indus Mission]].
 
** First-wave gates to Alpha Centauri, Lacaille 8760, and Tau Ceti.
 
** First-wave gates to Alpha Centauri, Lacaille 8760, and Tau Ceti.
Line 48: Line 52:
 
* [[Gliese 570]], linked through 36 Ophiuchi
 
* [[Gliese 570]], linked through 36 Ophiuchi
  
Inside the [[Solar System]], the eight gates were locked some distance outside [[Neptune]]'s orbit.  Since the [[Diaspora]] and the formation of the [[dreadskearn]]s, it is still possible to use these 'gates' - or at least what they've become - to cross to the others.  Most generally prefer not to run the gauntlet and take other routes, instead.  The drastically increased mass of the [[hellskearn]] has kept the first and second-wave gates within range, though several crossings have required management.
+
Inside the Solar System, the eight gates were locked some distance outside [[Neptune]]'s orbit.  Since the [[Diaspora]] and the formation of the [[dreadskearn]]s, it is still possible to use these 'gates' - or at least what they've become - to cross to the others.  Most generally prefer take other routes instead of running that gauntlet.  The drastically increased mass of the [[hellskearn]] has kept the first and second-wave gates within range, though several crossings have required management.
  
 
{{SSG}}
 
{{SSG}}

Revision as of 13:01, 14 April 2007

Stargates, also termed Ferlin tunnels, use massive amounts of solar power to warp spacetime in order to literally reduce the distance between two such devices. While similar in concept to a wormhole, they do not bypass any intervening spacetime, and the gates are forced to remain nearly at rest with respect to one another. The only motion they undergo is modification to accommodate changes in distance and vector between two stars.

In order to function, they need to be 'anchored' to a large mass - around half a solar mass, at a minimum. The first such gates had a maximum reach of a bit over four parsecs when formed, though later, more refined models can stretch close to twelve between large enough stars. Once so anchored, and the necessary energy densities established, a proper stargate will become a stable feature of the stars it binds. It will expand and contract to accommodate true velocity between the two, and actually work slightly to retard this motion.

Physically, the tunnel itself is exceedingly tiny when viewed from the outside - smaller than an atom, it is actually possible for ships to fly over it with a measure of safety. The inside, on the other hand, is at least several kilometers in diameter, though the actual depth is only a few millimeters. The physical hulls of each gate are joined together on the inside, to help prevent collisions and to help maintain the field.

A hemispherical cap covers each mouth, maintaining the 'spacial bleed' region surrounding each, which performs the reverse of what the stargate does - increasing the volume of space in a region between the gate and its host star. Thus, in order to make a superluminal transit between two stars, a ship cannot fly straight through, but must instead weave through in an s-pattern. Most such gates, therefor, look like half an ellipsoid, the rounded end pointing at the local star. A sectioned ring opens the way into the structure in the back, allowing transit.

Once established, a well-built gate will use its altering of spacetime geometry to reinforce it - making them extremely difficult to destroy as immense tidal forces rip apart kinetic projectiles and redshift light to 'safer' values. Most stargates are not destroyed in combat, but rather by stellar motion bringing the path of one stargate pair across the actual physical structure of another. This creates a violent reaction similar to a matter-antimatter one, releasing the immense energies used in the construction of the victimized gate. Because of this, engineers are rarely too zealous about making the web of stargates 'too thick'.

If a star's motion should take it outside the gates' mutual range, or if two lines cross between the physical stargates, their deactivation is usually much less dramatic than a collision, with the energy slowly being released over the course of several years on each side. The gate can then be used to link to a new star, deconstructed for raw materials, etc. On the other end, gates being actively linked are also generally quite visible, as the host star's light is usually focussed into such a tight beam that it fluoresces the interplanetary medium.

Pre-Purge Gates

The Triad were entirely dependent on what the First cared to provide to them, which was merely the means to relink stargates to nearby star systems, and established access to a black hole so that they could deal with a newborn cerevate race should they find one. While extremely generous of them, they never properly understood how these mechanisms worked, and could not grow beyond the limits of those gates that they were able to activate.

This, fundamentally, was a subset of those stargates that the Renlai and Soronen had constructed. Many were destroyed - intentionally or accidentally - and the simple passage of time de-linked many. Even still, this left them in control of billions of stars, held together by blind theocracy.

Renlai Gates

Many of the renlai gates have decayed through one fashion or another over the aeons. Even still, billions remain. Tau Ceti, Gliese 783 and 82 Eridani all had remnants of such gates, which humans used to expedite the process of settling these systems. See Cetan civilization.

Soronen Gates

The soronen gates include a number of renlai constructions that were repaired and refitted to their needs. They did not reach a black hole before the First found them, and thus were limited to only a few million star systems. Building on the knowledge of their predecessors, theirs are the most durable of the ancient gates, and though stellar motion has scattered many of them across the galaxy, a vast quantity of them - about 60% - remain in a general cluster. Many call it the Soronen cluster, though it is predominately controlled by the Khavene.

Human Gates

Humans began constructing their stargates in waves. The first wave went to the nearest eight 'major' stars, of around .6 Solar masses and higher, and the second went to another twelve, though that set was destroyed.

Additional second-wave gates:

Inside the Solar System, the eight gates were locked some distance outside Neptune's orbit. Since the Diaspora and the formation of the dreadskearns, it is still possible to use these 'gates' - or at least what they've become - to cross to the others. Most generally prefer take other routes instead of running that gauntlet. The drastically increased mass of the hellskearn has kept the first and second-wave gates within range, though several crossings have required management.


Solar Storms Logo.jpg
Solar StormsAboutCreditsQuestionsResourcesGlossaryUpdatesWebsite