In physical cosmology and astronomy, Dark Energy is a proposed form of energy that affects the universe on the largest scales. A repulsive force permeating the universe, its primary effect is to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe.

History

Dark Energy would become important on February 4th, 2185, when the vile intentions of the Illuminate cult, long shrouded in mystery, would be finally revealed. Through careful analysis of available astronomical data, the Centre of Science on Fenrir III was able to successfully model the recent fluctuations in spacetime, and after simulating sudden localized Dark Energy loss and exploring how this model maps onto recent Illuminate activity, the Ministry of Science would confirm the proposed link between Illuminate activity and the disappearance of large swaths of Dark Energy from our galaxy.

With every invasion, the Illuminate appear to be siphoning off more of this exotic force, revealing their campaign of terror on the southern front to be a cover to gather Dark Energy. By measuring spacetime fluctuations, the Ministry of Science is able to estimate how much Dark Energy is being stolen, with the rackers on all Galactic Maps being updated accordingly, although the purpose of the Illuminate actions and why they needed dark energy was unknown... at least at the time of the report being released.

Put simply, Dark Energy was being used to move the Meridian Singularity towards Super Earth. Whether the Illuminate plan to summon something far worse from the wormhole once it arrives in the Sol System or simply swallow up the heart and soul of the Federation does not matter; they must be stopped at all costs!

Fortunately, the successful defense of the Centre of Science on Fenrir III during Operation Emperor's New Brood would lead to an unexpected positive outcome. Not only did the Gloom-mutated Terminid carcasses on the planet prove to be a plentiful source of Element-710, but the astrophysicists at the Center discovered that the energy produced by E-710 -- the power source that fuels mankind's Alcubierre FTL Drives -- matches all known properties of Dark Energy. Studying E-710, then, could lead to a greater understanding of Dark Energy and the means by which the Illuminate are moving the Meridian Singularity.

Trivia

• Dark energy is the name that astronomers gave to the mysterious “something” that is causing the universe to expand at an accelerated rate. Dark energy has been described by some as having the effect of a negative pressure that is pushing space outward.
• How the Ministry of Science did not discover that the energy produced by E-710 matched all known properties of Dark Energy despite it being an essential pillar of Super Earth's economy for 100 years is currently unknown.
  • Likely Super Earth's brilliant scientists simply did not know what they were looking for, given that the Federation gained improved FTL technology from the Illuminate following the First Galactic War, or perhaps research into E-710 was restricted because discovering how to synthesize E-710 would destabilize the Terminid farming economy. The former theory is more likely (and less treasonous) than the latter.