The Lost Jump Gate
Deep Space Mystery
The myth of the lost or wandering jump gate dates back nearly two hundred years. It involves a jump gate, massive space structures formerly used to teleport ships, that somehow teleports itself. Attempts at an explanation always leave some portion of the mystery unsolved. More important than answers, however, is that every person affected by this myth has found it a life-changing experience.The Story
It starts with a message, followed by two others across a variable length of time. They might be delivered directly or stumbled upon by chance. Often they're digital, like a text or email, but can also be a physical note or page. The recipient is always someone struggling with feeling lost, aimless, and isolated.
When combined, the three messages become directions to a point in space. The location changes but always leads to the same burnt-out jump gate. The crumbling atrium is the most intact portion. A wall draws people toward it, containing carved messages from all who've been there before.
Most describe seeing this wall as a spiritual experience. While in front of it, they feel a profound connection to every person across time and space. No longer lost, but seen, loved, and accepted. Even when they leave and the feeling fades, they remain changed by it.
I got a second message today. I'm afraid to get the third. I've never left home before, how can I go flying across the galaxy? I've been on the forums, there are people who'd help me get there. What if I did go flying across the galaxy? What if I've never left home because I never had a reason to?
The Answers
If we accept that the messages and the gate are real, which few people do, the best explanation anyone has offered is that there's an organization behind the entire charade. They have a ship that can tow the gate to new locations, with hidden cameras to know when to move it. They likely use a VI to scour the internet for targets and their contact information.Maybe it's ghosts, maybe it's gods, maybe it's this one really twisted family fucking with us all from some asteroid somewhere. Who cares? If it helps people, why do we need to explain it?
This fails in a few key ways, however. It's unlikely they could move the gate without ever being seen, there's no answer for the paper notes, and most importantly, this has been going on longer than any human can survive.
Several people would be needed to run such a prank, and given humanity's propensity for sharing secrets, it's remarkably unlikely an organization of that size would persist for this long with no evidence left behind. But if we accept that, then what other answers are we left with?
Could the gate be haunted? Could a True AI have survived? Could it perhaps be the Great Mother reaching out to Her creations? Or is not having an answer something of the point?
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This is so fascinating. I love a good mystery. I am really glad it seems to be rather benevolent, whatever it is.
Explore Etrea | WorldEmber 2025
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