Relay 2 - Mass Effect and Mass Relays

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RELAY 2: MASS EFFECT & MASS RELAYS

 

[Excerpts from the Mass Effect Wiki]

 

The world of Mass effect revolves around the manipulation of mass effect fields to achieve certain tasks. Mass effect fields are generated using Element Zero. Element Zero (Atomic Number 0, Chemical Symbol Ez), also known as 'eezo', is a rare material that, when subjected to an electrical current, releases dark energy which can be manipulated into a mass effect field, raising or lowering the mass of all objects within that field. A positive current increases mass, a negative current decreases it. This 'mass effect' is used in countless ways, from generating artificial gravity to manufacturing high-strength construction materials with faster than light travel, weaponization and biotics being some of the most common uses.

 

Eezo is generated when solid matter, such as a planet, is affected by the energy of a star going supernova. Dust-form element zero is often released after engine accidents. It is used by many species to influence or strengthen the presence of biotics. Element zero forms the basis of many advanced medicines throughout Citadel space. The Normandy's massive Tantalus drive core cost 120 billion credits because of the amount of element zero needed to power the stealth system.

 

In space, low-mass fields allow FTL travel and inexpensive surface-to-orbit transit. High-mass fields create artificial gravity and push space debris away from starships. In manufacturing, low-mass fields permit the creation of evenly-blended alloys, while high mass compaction creates dense, sturdy construction materials.

 

 

 

One of the more esoteric applications of mass effect is in biotics. Many biotics can also use mass effect fields which are biologically generated and controlled. This requires intensive training, and cybernetic implants, but can produce impressive offensive or defensive effects. Biotic abilities are believed to be developed or enhanced through exposure to Eezo. There are recorded cases of babies born with Eezo nodules throughout their bodies as a result of exposure to dust-form Eezo while in the womb. These "born" biotics demonstrate tremendous biotic abilities, occasionally capable of generating multiple mass effect fields while in offensive or defensive combat. Biotic abilities include defensive powers like shields and stasis to offensive abilities like warp, charge and the fearsome singularity attack.

 

 

 

The other big combat use of mass effect fields is in weapons development. Current weapons technology has long foregone the ancient matter based projectiles (bullets) in favor of deploying highly accelerated mass effect slugs. The advantages include bespoke weapon development, a very high degree of customization and flexibility in the use of weapons and streamlined designs allowing for compact, collapsible weapons. It also means that there is no requirement to stock ammunition, although the immense heat generated while creating the mass effect slugs has prompted the use of disposable heat sinks to prevent weapon malfunction and allow rapid fire rates.

 

 

However, the use of mass effect fields creates static electrical charge. In starship drive cores, this charge must be grounded at regular intervals, either by touching a planet surface or interacting with a planet's geomagnetic field, to prevent the electricity discharging into the hull and causing catastrophic damage. For biotics, this manifests as an occasional static shock when they touch metal or other people.

 

 

Human beings first came into contact with Element Zero and mass effect when they discovered the Prothean ruins on Mars. It enabled research into FTL ship drives before the Charon Relay was discovered. The discovery of the Mass Relays was undoubtedly the most significant event in the history of human space exploration, leading to mankind's integration into intergalactic civilization.

 

 

Mass Relays

 

 

Mass Relays are mass transit devices scattered throughout the galaxy, usually located within star systems. They form an enormous network allowing interstellar travel. A mass relay can transport starships instantaneously to another relay within the network, allowing for journeys that would otherwise take years or even decades with only FTL drives.

 

Mass relays are built with two long, curved metal "arms" with a set of revolving rings in between them, containing a massive, blue-glowing element zero core. The relays are made of an unknown but incredibly resilient material, the same material that the Citadel is built from. They are "cold" objects that don't emit heat or radiation, unlike starships, making them difficult to find if their position changes. Some relays are "gravitationally anchored" to planets; others appear to be out in space and are carefully tracked.

 

Mass relays function by creating a virtually mass-free "corridor" of space-time between each other. This can propel a starship across enormous distances that would take centuries to traverse, even at FTL speeds. When a relay is activated, it aligns itself with the corresponding relay before propelling the ship across space.