Protomatter

Protomatter was an exotic form of elementary particles, non-existent in the galaxy, but found in abundance in Otherspace. Although the composition of protomatter was not fully understood, it was actively utilized as a power source by the Charon Dominion by the time of the Extant War. Unlike most forms of exotic matter, protomatter was remarkably stable, and its composition did not degrade or destabilize after extended usage or refining, and thus was not susceptible into becoming a radioactive element.

The exact nature of protomatter was still considered a relative mystery by the Charon Dominion by the time of the Extant War, as its elementary composition bore amalgamated characteristics with antimatter, dark matter, hypermatter and negative matter. Possibly due to this, protomatter was disproportionately dense, with the Charon Dominion even resorting to utilizing anti-gravitational micro-repulsorlift fields in the creation and usage of their phase drives. When subjected to an electromagnetic charge under controlled circumstances, protomatter enabled faster-than-light travel, much like tachyonic hypermatter, but instead of "pushing" a vessel into hyperspace, protomatter "shifted" a vessel into phase space. In contrast to anti-matter fission or hypermatter annihilation, protomatter produces energy by being subjected to a highly ionized electromagnetic charge, which caused protomatter to convert into a radiant, energized state, from which its power would be harnessed toward transit purposes.

Protomatter was unique also in that it enabled passage through gravitationally or electromagnetically unstable environments, most notably being the Aperture anomaly that bridged realspace with Otherspace, but also through gravity wells, interdiction fields, and even the most severe hyperspace disturbances. Consequently, following the Extant War, protomatter, as well as phase engines, because highly sought after by all participants in the conflict, due to its rarity, expense and difficulty to recreate, and unique qualities.