Dark Matter

"Yeah, they teach us how to keep it running but I'll be damned if I know how the thing works." -ship mechanic

Color

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Common State

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A Mysterious Substance

Scientists have labored over centuries to explain the concept of dark matter in layman's terms, but always seem to fall short of what is actually understandable to the average reader. As far as the majority of humans are concerned, dark matter is just another fundamental building block of life; it runs many reactors which power cities, ships, and stations throughout the galaxy. Despite knowing it exists, and relying so heavily upon it, most have no idea what it really is.

All Around Us... Sort of

Scientists continue to assure the public that dark matter is all around us and is completely harmless, but no one (other than said scientists) actually know what that means. Due to this common statement, many have come to question the need to build dark matter collection facilities in orbit around black holes. Scientists reassure that there is a reason, although it is lost upon most ears.

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DARK MATTER SHIPMENTS FOR CHEAP!!!

"Am I the only one who doesn't get how a reactor runs on something we can't see or feel? Guess I shouldn't have dropped out of school." -the Rogue

Generally Indifferent

The public doesn't seem to care a lot about how or why dark matter does what it does. Most people go about their lives never questioning how they get their electricity and he few who do usually dismiss the thought as something for someone else to figure out.

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From The Pan

Dark matter is collected by automated stations that make elliptical orbits close to black holes. These stations undergo tremendous pressures; the gravity alone prevents any personnel from being on the station during its closest approach. The dark matter is harvested while at periapsis and then pulled off station at apoapsis.

"Dammit, out of juice. Switch her to emergency." -Pearl, captain of The Chest of Ages

Into The Fire

Dark matter is "destroyed" to generate energy in reactors which raises the efficiency of the already excellent hydrogen fusion reactors by ten-fold. The only drawbacks are they increased heat, which can be difficult to maintain in space, and the need for two different fuels to keep a drive running. Most drives have an emergency mode in which they can run on just hydrogen, but a drive with just dark matter is dead weight.