Basics of Teleportation

Teleportation is the science of using quantum mechanics and molecular disassembly to transport objects faster than the speed of light. This method of travel can be divided into two categories: Fixed and Personal teleportation.

Fixed teleportation is done through the use of a beampad. Due to the amount of raw power that can be generated by such a large, static device, teleportation happens instantly. This makes it the most convenient method of travel and the one typically used by the masses. However,the amount of materials it can transport per trip is limited by the amount of space on the teleporter pad. Larger pads are often found in spaceports and the like to facilitate the mass transport of trade goods. It is often difficult to track someone's individual beampad use due to the fact that many unique signatures can be detected simultaneously in the area around the beampad, serving as a sort of "smoke screen."

Personal teleportation is done through the use of a personal teleportation device, typically worn on the wrist or affixed to the hip. These devices are rather bulky and easy to spot, so they could not be concealed easily. In addition, they can only teleport roughly 200-250 pounds of mass. Furthermore, Personal teleporters take anywhere from thirty minutes to three hours to charge up enough energy to initiate teleportation, depending on brand. It is fairly easy to track someone's personal teleporter use due to the fact that the signal is often located far away from beampad centers, causing it to stand out. These devices are typically used by explorers who seek out new, untamed worlds for colonization, but are also available on the civilian market.

Jamming is the practice of using a large signal-emitting instrument to shut down teleportation devices. This is usually the prelude to a planetary invasion, but the local government is also capable of fielding such devices if necessary. Civilian beampads and personal teleporters will typically be shut down entirely, but government-issue beampads are usually reinforced to withstand the jamming signals, although there will often be a fifteen to thirty minute delay when using them.