Shepards Terminal: Alliance Update: Dark Energy and Alternate Realities Report

From: Alliance Command <restricted>

To: Commander Jane Shepard <N7JaneShepard>

Commander,

Our scientists have been working round the clock to identify the cause behind the universal dimension shifts you and others have been reporting. At this current time these 'linked worlds' seem to be restricted to areas where advanced mass effect fields and dark energy are located. As of yet our scientists can find no way to reverse these affects. However the breaches do not appear to be extending and our scientists seem confident there will be no adverse effects to our universes structure. I've included a summary of the scientists report below, including a brief overview of the new system protocols.

Good luck out there Commander

File Number #5648-JE8938-HR45Y

Date: 2012-01-04

Report Number: AR34092

Title: Dark Energy and the Link between Alternate Realities

Dark energy is the name given to the universal "fifth force" identified by astronomers during Earth's late 20th century. Like electromagnetism or gravity, dark energy influences all matter in the galaxy, and its effects can be seen on both cosmological and subatomic scales. The repulsive effects of dark energy are the primary reason the expansion of the universe is gradually accelerating.

The energy is manipulated using the extremely rare material element zero [see figure #28761]. When subjected to powerful electrical currents, element zero releases dark energy that can be harnessed to create mass effect fields, effectively raising or lowering the relative mass of all objects within the field. With the eezo nodules and natural electrical impulses in their nervous systems, biotics can generate and wield dark energy biologically [see Figure #58048], but the effort is physically demanding.

In the years following the Battle of the Citadel, alarming facts about dark energy emerged. Quarian studies upon the planet Haestrom revealed that its sun, Dholen, is aging prematurely as a result of the influence of dark energy. In addition, Gianna Parasini of Noveria Internal Affairs found that her superiors are worried about the potential issues of their clients' increased dark energy interests.

The mysterious Object Rho [see Figure # 604824] found in the Bahak system's asteroid field utilizes vast amounts of dark energy to maintain itself and the barriers protecting it so that it can continue broadcasting its enigmatic signals. The nearby Alpha Relay [see Figure #60258], the oldest known mass relay in the galaxy, could also make use of hidden dark energy reserves. When Alpha's control switches were adjusted, the relay tapped into an unprecedented amount of dark energy, dramatically extending its range to sixteen other mass relays and even the Citadel.

It was these altercations with Dark Energy and the amount of Energy that was expended between the Reaper forces to arrive within our galaxy that caused the veil between universes to fray [see Figure #205734]. In areas where dark energy is regularly utilised such as the citadel, mass effect relays and even advanced star ships like the Alliance Frigate SR-2 Normandy, ‘areas of disturbance’ have been created. It is within these AOD’s that it is possible not only to see the other universes but pass freely between them [see Figure #73594].

The Alliance and other Citadel Council races have begun setting up VI’s at ‘disturbance areas’ [see Figure #49674]. These VI’s function as computerised universe controls or CUC’s and allow personnel to travel freely between specific realities. The AI aboard the frigate Normandy performs the same function, although passage is restricted to classified personnel only, namely those who are assigned to the Normandy, which ever universe she may be from.

Scientific Figures