Interstitial Space

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Interstitial or fractal space, is a higher-dimensional parallel space where spacecraft can travel to cover vast distances in base reality.
Interstitial space is a five-dimensional fractal representation of the physical universe, in which is contained an infinitely repeating pattern of the universe. Unlike base reality, which has four dimensions (up-down, north-south, east-west, and time), interstital space has five dimensions: up-down, north-south, east-west, time, and scale. The addition of scale creates problems with navigating interstital space, as most people cannot comprehend moving in a space with five dimensions, and imposes additional costs on computational systems.
Scale, sometimes refered to as magnification, is the dimension most useful for the purposes of faster than light travel; as it allows an object to "grow" and "shrink" along the fractal. Through this mechanism, ships are able to cross large distances faster than they could normally travel by moving through the fractal. Theoretically, this means that a spacecraft could travel any distance inside interstitial space and still return to its point of origin. This same principle also means a spacecraft could travel to any other point within the universe almost instantly, given that it could calculate such a short route.

Geography

Interstitial space is an ever-changing fractal representation of base reality, leading to an equally confusing geography and topology. Although interstitial space is perceivable to normal people within the dimension, it is incomprehensible to most. Generally, the space is described as a constantly shifting sea of light and dark. Portions of interstitial space may grow or shrink without any clear pattern, or may even intersect in ways that are nonsensical or seemingly impossible in normal reality. These constant changes and nonsensical topology make it impossible to navigate interstitial space without computers, although it is hypothesized that certain FERALs may be able to learn how to navigate the dimension without computer guidance.

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Dimension