franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

8.5.2 Automated subspace radio relay platformTemporary habitatTransceiver module •Subspace antennathe galaxy. Each new level exhibits its own paradigm governinginteractions, the exchange of energy and information.As sentient beings developed and progressed outwardtoward space, the exchange of information provided thenecessary constant stimulus to learn more about the surroundinguniverse and to pursue the exploration of the galaxy.Contact among different cultures has led to real communications,in part facilitated by subspace transmission methods.While a small fraction of early contacts has resulted inhostilities, through misinterpretations of intentions or actualaggressive movement, most cultural compatibility problemshave been solved through determined negotiations oncecommon meeting grounds were found.In the view of many scholars, the entire Milky Way galaxyis experiencing a gradual acceleration in the rate of overalldevelopment because of continuing communications betweensentient beings. The Federation's Prime Directivenotwithstanding, a number of technological civilizations are"catching up" at various rates, leading to what some considerwill be an inevitable single broad leading edge of explorationand scientific discovery. The exact direction this wave frontwill take will remain an unknown, just as the future has alwaysremained unknown. Tantalizing glimmers, however, will stillbe seen and shared, helping us to deal with the unexpectedwhile preserving the excitement and sense of accomplishment.