Faster-Than-Light Travel
Faster-than-light (FTL) travel is the method by which spacecraft can traverse interstellar distances at superluminal velocities. Its basis is the physical phenomena associated with Ross-Mendonca Filaments. Better known as cosmic strings, these natural "creases" in spacetime compress the distance between two points along their length. An FTL or “jump drive” exploits this compression, translating a vessel instantaneously from one point on a string to another.
The distance that can be traveled in a single jump is determined by a number of factors. In many cases, multiple jumps along a string might be required to fully traverse its length. Some strings are also inherently stronger than others, with highly efficient jump corridors representing the apex of known string topology and permitting jumps of extraordinary range. Cosmic strings must also be surveyed before they can be used reliably, an effort that is often expensive and intricate. As a consequence, the performance of different manufacturers can vary greatly depending on the precision of their drive calibration and the accuracy of the navigational data they license. Less efficient engines often require longer intervals between use for recalibration.
Gravitational wells disrupt a spacecraft's ability to safely detect and manipulate cosmic strings. As a consequence, all interstellar travel must occur beyond the outer boundary of a star system or other cosmic object. Most star systems have clearly defined egress and ingress points where FTL jumps are most efficient, and in more developed regions these might be regulated by local authorities and the site of a permanent customs station or starport.
Reaching a distant star system often requires passing through several intermediary ones, each with its own ingress and egress points, transit infrastructure, and local jurisdiction. The shape of the filament network is therefore the geography of interstellar civilization and reflects its priorities. Most strings were surveyed specifically because they offered access to colonizable worlds, resources, or strategic access. There remain hundreds of thousands of stars that exist outside the network, barren stars of little strategic or material value.