Hyperway

Hyperway is an energy beam that directly connects two stations. This beam allows energy transfer and also functions as a cosmic highway, where spacecrafts can reach significantly higher speeds in warp. During travel, ships can capture energy and recharge their onboard batteries.

History

Hyperway was discovered in the early days of space colonization when scientists experimented with transferring energy from stations closer to stars to regions where solar panels were not sufficiently efficient. During these experiments, it was found that a sufficient amount of energy could warp spacetime similarly to a warp field, allowing the first hyperway for spaceships to be opened.

Principle of Operation

The source station emits a huge amount of energy toward the target station, which receives it. The longer the distance, the smaller the portion of energy reaching the destination.

Sending energy requires sophisticated transmission equipment, while reception can occur using just the charge accumulated on the station's hull, so a dedicated receiving device is not necessary. This allows the station to receive energy from multiple transmitters simultaneously.

The energy beam is not continuous; it is sent in pulses approximately once per minute. The transmitter accumulates energy until it reaches a critical level, then sends it along a path curved by spacetime.

The pulse travels along this curvature, seemingly exceeding the speed of light, similar to warp travel. Ships traveling the same path gain an advantage, making their journey significantly faster. During transit or while staying in the path, their batteries also recharge, similar to stations.

Usage

Once the first hyperway was activated for energy transfer and commercial transport, interest was immense. Hyperways quickly became the main trade arteries of regions, attracting additional infrastructure – rest stations, commercial hubs, and unfortunately, pirates and smugglers.

Recharging

Ships passing through the hyperway automatically recharge their batteries thanks to the energy flowing through the path. The charging intensity depends on the distance from the beam and the capacity of the onboard batteries.

Travel

Ships take advantage of the spacetime curvature created by the hyperway, achieving significantly higher warp speeds. Travel along the path is smooth, safe, and dramatically reduces transit time between stations.

Smuggling

Corporations often maintain lists of commodities that are either prohibited or subject to high tariffs to protect their trade interests or populations. This created an ideal breeding ground for smugglers, who transport forbidden goods through the hyperway.

Confiscated contraband is usually seized, and offenders may face heavy fines or even forfeiture of the entire ship to the corporation.

Limitations

Hyperways cannot pass through high-gravity objects such as asteroids, planets, or stars.

The maximum route distance is 126,482 AU.