Interstitial Transit Gate

An Interstitial Transit Gate (ITG), commonly called transit gate or just gate, is a structure that opens a passage into the Interstice, allowing ships to traverse vast distances in a fraction of the time they would otherwise require when using conventional drives. ITGs form the backbone of interstellar travel, trade and communication.

Terminology

• Gate: The entire structure.
• Frame, Ring: The outer, physical structure of the gate that holds the aperture.
• Aperture: The opening into the Interstice that the gate creates.
• Dilation: The act of opening an aperture.
• Sister gates: The two gates connected to each other by a crossing. Each gate is anchored to its sister.
• Passage: A journey through the Interstice.
• Insertion / Emergence: Entering and leaving the Interstice, respectively.

Operation

As maintaining an open aperture requires large amounts of energy, they are frequently operated on a schedule. Ships may cross during the transit window – the span of time in which a gate is open – or otherwise wait in the roads outside the gate. Passage requires clearance by Transit Control, although most gates are usually open.

Network and Strategic Importance

The gate network is defining for our map of known space. Travel outside gate systems is excruciatingly slow, and usually done only in cases of emergency, or to explore unknown systems. As such, gates are chokepoints and prime military targets. The Interstitial Relay Network also utilizes the gates, carrying communications between systems.

Gates thereby enable their controlling power to exert extensive military and political control.