Metadimensional Space

After centuries of study, we barely know anything about the metadimension. Physics as we know it doesn't apply to this alterior space, and its dangers make prolonged study impossible. 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

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In and Out

Today, the Spike Drive allows ships to traverse metadimensional space. This traversal lead 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

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Teleportation does exactly that.

Space and Time

Pathways through the metadimension don't align with distances in our universe. This is how 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. These theories of a potential quantum nature of the metadimension would explain certain aspects of psionics, such as

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Precognition.

Empty Graveyard

Did you know?

Many describe a feeling of weightlessness upon entering the metadimension, even if the ship's artificial gravity is turned of. Some also report hearing a buzzing sound, feeling a tingling sensation across their scalp, and sometimes a faint taste of strawberries.

The metadimension is a dark, iridescent void that's constantly shifting and changing. No planets, stars, landmarks, or other physical object has ever been found. Not even sign of the drones and ships that have entered the space and never returned. Few have risked following SOS beacons through the space, and none have found what they sought.

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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 can also change or disappear if not maintained.

Storms

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

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.

— Exhasperated metaphysicist