Dark energy is the lifeblood of the universe. A multi-dimensional constant, it exists between all visible and dark matter, interspersed evenly throughout the cosmos. 70% of the universe's mass is dark energy, as opposed to the 5% of visible matter. It threads through the vacuum, the black of space itself, balancing gravity with a powerful negative force.
In the thirty-third century, mankind explored the use of this limitless resource. Laboratories attempted to harness dark energy by condensing it at small singularities. The first successful experiment was an absolute disaster.
On the Venusian orbital colony, Jensen-Almay, an endless flood of dark energy coalesced and overwhelmed the primitive storage devices. A dimensional rift swallowed the station and its 13 million residents within moments. After Apocalypse Eternal and the formation of the Sol-Union, the science was outlawed, considered too dangerous.
Centuries later, as one millennium ended and a new one dawned, Anatali Corp restarted dark energy research in secrecy, though an independent monarchy, Io, siphoned their discoveries through espionage. Broadening their approach, scientists discovered a way to safely condense dark energy with only minor side effects. DETH (Dark Energy THeory) went from dream to reality.
When Io released a report of their military-grade success, Anatali followed the same day, knowing the Sol-Union would lift their ban. The public didn't know what to think, but the media was then, and now, skeptical about DETH's stability and safety. Jensen-Almay and Apocalypse Eternal had become legend, and Venus' new colonists were a constant reminder of radiation poisoning, mutations, and terrorizing phantoms—all consequences of DETH.
Yet great things were accomplished as the Age of Dark Energy began. FTLS travel and communications, and low energy costs have been a boon to the Sol System's colonization and economy, allowing humanity to emerge from rampant poverty and overcrowding. Suddenly they were free to explore new futures in the galaxy. The Exodus-class Star Station is a new example of DETH's growing popularity as 38 million were willing to join Anatali Station's unlimited journey through interstellar space.
Whether DETH is mankind's path to the stars, or as Dethists claim, a fatal abomination, more corporations and nations are embracing the science in everyday life. It remains to be seen whether the tragedy of Jensen-Almay will be repeated, though many believe it's only a matter of time.
Articles
- Anatali Academy — The largest university on Anatali Station.
- Anatali Corp — The history behind the future's most influential superpower.
- Anatali Station — Humanity's first Exodus-class Star Station.
- Apocalypse Eternal — This popular VR game hosts four million subscribers.
- Dark Energy Theory — The science that altered modern history.
- Gangs of Anatali — Background on Anatali's most infamous vigilantes.
- Mortality Shock — The end of immortality.
- Jensen-Almay Disaster — Part 1, Lead-up to Apocalypse Eternal. *new*
- Apocalypse Eternal (war) — Part 2, Humanity's most deadly war. *new*
- AE Aftermath — Part 3, how the war impacted the future. *new*
Coming Soon
- Dethism, the religion
- Politics in the future
- Science and technology