The Dead God
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To sub a Chaos version of the Path Engine.
- Image Source: Here.
- Canon Link: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Primary Source: Nihil │ Path Engine
- Manufacturer: Jaeger Solutions
- Affiliation: Lords of the Sith
- Market Status: Closed-Market
- Model: X-05 "Nihil" Class Path Engine
- Modularity: Semi-Unique
- Material:
- Frame: Alusteel
- Casing: Durasteel
- Misc: Various Hyperlane Components & Computer Components
- Calculates 'Paths' from Hyperlane Routes
- Archives Paths
- Remote Cloud Upload
- Transmits Short Range Jump Information
- Can Bypass HIMS via Alternative Hyperlane Route
- The Paths -
- By using the ancient Path Engine design, the 'Nihil' is able to travel along 'hyperlanes' that intersect much of the galaxy. While normally only large and heavily cleared hyperlanes are usable, the Path Engine allows for insight into a 'different' set not normally able to be utilized by traditional hyperdrives. Through this, any ship equipped with (or flying with) the X-05 can dramatically reduce hyperlane travel times, while also appearing from lanes not normally monitored. This included micro jumps within system, albeit for those ships equipped with hyperdrives.
- Unbidden -
- While traditional interdiction is done through targeting known hyperlane trajectories and putting mass shadows in the way to initialize a failsafe, the X-05 bypasses this by actively calculating all alternative trajectories available to them during each voyage. This means that a fleet equipped with this can 'detour' around mass shadows without the use of a traditional HIMs; although it does not negate interdiction prior to entering the hyperlanes.
- Entropy -
- While the ships who collect micro jump information from the Path Engine are able to use hyperspace at astonishing low distances - some as low as one kilometer - there is the fact that so many ships performing these jumps in the same general area increases the likelihood of collisions substantially; since paths are often random in their distance and clarity. This means that using the system may surprise an enemy and give an initial edge, but without proper care can see a fleet destroying itself by simply ramming into itself.
- Hard Right -
- Able to bypass traditional interdictions by detouring the hyperlane path around them, there comes the issue of G-Forces. Hyperlanes are not meant for tight maneuvers, regardless of the Path Engine or not. When avoiding a mass shadow, it is very common for ships to be put under such strain that they either break in half - creating issues with hyperlane emergences - or simply damage themselves, once again creating issues for the fleet; though it can be beneficial if one were to know that being interdicted would be less than beneficial.
After historic records of the Nihil began to surface in about 864ABY, Jaeger Solutions saw fit to reintroduce some of their dangerous technology into the world. Based on the work of Marchion Ro and his archived Paths, the X-05 was built to encompass much the same role as the 'Eye of the Nihil' served for his Tempests. As a central source for all paths in the galaxy.
Archiving and operating trillions of points of data, the X-05 is able to calculate Paths in Hyperspace nigh passively. Normally unattainable due to the equipment necessary, often found on exploration ships sent into Wild Space, the X-05 fills this role through a complex series of technology - both old and new - that allow it to not only sense these openings in the Hyperlanes, but also send that information to traditional hyperdrives for their use, much the same as the Nihil before them. This helps reduce the ability of traditional hyperlane sensors to track anything utilizing a Path Engine since they are not on known lanes of travel, while also increasing the speed at which hyperdrives cover realspace by simply finding them more efficient routes.
Altogether, this makes the 'Nihil' both a weapon when utilized on a flagship, and a utility item heavily sought after by the likes of Super Freights and Shipping companies across the galaxy. Revolutionary in its day, Jaeger fully intends to bring it back to its galactic status as a legendary technology; albeit, after the Lords of the Sith have a crack at it first, already being equipped on their own dreadnaughts.
