Dark Expanse

The **Dark Expanse** is a colossal dark matter nebula which dominates a large part of The Outback. At its greatest span, it extends for at least 90 light years. The density of dark matter in the region is the highest on record anywhere in the known universe, making it extremely hazardous to navigate and long range sensors largely ineffective. As a result, the region has very little charted, though it is believed that several dozen star systems lie within the nebula. The Federation established Outpost 42 to study the expanse.

# Features

## Hazards

In addition to the normal hazards of dark matter, the extreme gravity fields present within the Dark Expanse, both from matter and dark matter, distort all long range sensor readings by gravitational lensing effects to a level beyond any known capability to process. Once inside the Dark Expanse, positioning becomes reliant on inertial and graviton readings, which become increasingly inaccurate over time without landmarks and pulsars to calibrate. In addition, dark matter potholes are commonly found, including many which move at relativistic speeds. The concentration of dark matter, however, is not consistent, and it is believed that a ship equipped with proper charts and specialized but currently available technology could navigate the dark expanse with relative safety. This is of particular interest to Starfleet due to limited data suggesting a small star cluster is present within the Dark Expanse, consisting of several star systems in what may be safe pockets.

In addition, there is a lingering subspace radiation which has been observed to cause damage to warp coils, as well as an incident with apparently hostile dark matter life forms which are believed to inhabit the dark expanse, though information on it is limited to one encounter.

## OB-73829 Destiny Nebula

In 2416, an incident resulted in the artificial, though uncontrolled, creation of a nebula within the Dark Expanse, which was subequently designated OB-73829 Destiny Nebula . The effect converted a region of dark matter nine light years wide to normal matter, creating a dense stellar nursery.

# Mori'telquessir

Deep within the Dark Expanse, a civilization of black skinned humanoids named the Mor'telquessir live. Not much is known of them and their mercenary allies the Griff. They have been seen near some Maelthra tiu, who also live within the Expanse.

# Survey History

The USS *Destiny* began a preliminary survey of a region of the Dark Expanse in 2414. [Report] At the time, the nebula had only a designation, and it was only later that it was determined to be another component of the much larger nebula.

Beginning on Stardate 93573.0, the USS *Ramillies* began an excursion into the Dark Expanse. [Report] Utilizing an experimental graviton navigational deflector which could offer better detection and even repel dark matter in limited concentrations, the *Ramillies* attempted to navigate the Dark Expanse. The experiment was cut short by a dangerous accumulation of dark matter in the aft of the *Ramillies* warp field, an unrelated attack by The Scourge, and an encounter with a temporal energy ribbon known as The Nexus. [AAR] The *Ramillies* continues development of the navigational deflector in order to refine it for safer use.