Mobilian Technology
"Wave Motion" Technology
The term "wave motion" is used to describe one attribute of the energy source. In reality, most forms of energy we know of have an attribute of wave motion. Sonic and electromagnetic energy travel in waves.
The Mobilian "wave motion" energy systems take inert space matter, such as dust and gas, and convert them to tachyon energy particles. A tachyon particle is a particle that moves faster than the speed of light (as opposed to slower particles which are collectively called tardyons). Modern physics tells us that it is impossible to accelerate a tardyon past the speed of light without infinite energy. If tachyons do exist, they must already be moving at speeds greater than that of light. But, with this technology, dust and gas are not accelerated, but rather somehow electromagnetically compressed until they transform into tachyon particles. (This is about as plausible as harnessing antimatter in a fashion as it is done in Star Trek.) But, being in the realm of science fiction or fantasy, we accept this feat without much further scientific protest.
Engine and Travel Technology
SUB-SPACE
For Mobilian technology, there are two types of space -- normal-space, and sub-space. No mention is made of the familiar hyper-space, but essentially, sub-space functions as hyper-space does in other for other technologies. That is, by moving in sub-space, it is possible for a ship to travel faster than light, at least if its motion is measured with respect to its displacement in normal space.
WARP
The great space warp is achieved by invoking a rift between normal- and sub-space, and then allowing a ship to slip into sub-space. This is achieved by allowing a charge of tachyons to re-integrate into slower particles. In diagrams, the ship is shown to jump off the "curve" of normal space. Moving in sub-space allows the ship to travel from crest to crest with the same effort at it would normally take to travel completely along the curve. The time and location at which this jump occurs is important. The fabric of space/time is another wave phenomenon. The ship can enter a warp only when it enters sub-space at a time when it is at a wave crest on the space-time curve. Otherwise, the ship would merely submerge into some level of sub-space for a short duration.
Due to their limited shield technology the Mobilians are limit as to how long they can stay in sub-space as it causes a great deal of stress to both the ship and the crew while traveling through sub-space without shielding.
"Clocking" Technology
SUB-SPACE SUBMERSION
Rather than warping, a ship may enter and hide for any extended period of time in sub-space. This is achieved in the same manner as a warp, but the ship does not leap off a wave crest. Rather, it merely slips into sub-space at any arbitrary point on the curve without excessive acceleration. It is a state of near-warp. The effect serves as a kind of cloaking device as the submerged ship is not generally detectable to ships operating in normal space. Ships entering or leaving a warp, however, must necessarily pass through lower levels of sub-space in which a ship may be hiding. Hence, a small space warp can be used as a means to detect, even if momentarily, a ship hiding in sub-space.
Weapon Technology
"Wave Motion" Gun
The rift in space caused by decelerating tachyon particles can cause intense releases of energy. Thus, this can be used as a weapon. The Wave Motion gun of the Mobilian forces, is based on this principle. The particle energy they fire is generated by the sudden decompression of tachyon charges. Energy converts to matter (particle plasma).
This creates a very powerful weapon. The Mobilian Space Corps uses both "Full Scale" Wave Motion guns and "Minor" wave motion guns. A "Full Scale" wave motion gun is normally has its firing opening located in middle of the front of the ship, as it needs to be in line with the Wave Motion engines. A "Minor" Wave Motion gun can be located anywhere on a ship where it can be in line with an adequate reverse release. In the case of the experimental Class E Space Cruiser the are two "Minor" Wave Motion guns located one on each side of the ship. The blast of blast of a "Full Scale" Wave Motion gun is about to wipe out several unshielded full scale war ships. The blast of a "Minor" Wave Motion gun is considerably less, though it can severely damage most ships and a direct hit would be a hard blow even to a shielded ship. The down side to the Wave Motion gun is the amount of energy it uses and the strain it puts on the resources of the ship using it. In order to fire a "Full Scale" Wave Motion gun the ship must concentrate all of its energy into the Wave Motion gun thereby preventing the use of other weapons or engines for a period both before and after firing. The "Minor" Wave Motion gun is less taxing on the resources of the ship but still dues require a momentary drain on the power of the ship and a long recharge time between shots. Because of the drain on system resources the Wave Motion guns are only used in situation were return fire is not anticipated or in great need. Instead the Mobilians usually rely more on their blaster cannons, lasers and torpedoes for ship to ship combat.
Shield Technology
The Mobilians are still in the research and development stage with respect to shield technology. They are able to project limited area local shields from shield generators to protect specific areas for a limited time.
Communications Technology
Currently the Mobilian Republic has only made limited advances in the area of long range galactic communications. They have technology that can send signals through sub-space by means of relay satellites located at the peaks in the waves of sub-space, but this is only usable between locations where they have the satellites in place. Otherwise they are limited to sending signals at light speed through normal space.
(The above sections marked in
green are copied with only slight modifications to fit its new purpose from the technology page of the Wave Motion - Yamato / Star Blazers web site.)
