Psionics

Psionics is the ability to manipulate the fundamental forces of the universe, matter and energy using the neurological systems of an organic lifeform. Those with the power to harness psionics are called “psionics”, "psions" or "psychokinetics".

Background

Psionics powers are developed naturally in some species and do not in others. The development of psionic powers are determined by the exposure of neurological systems to the influence of the fundamental forces of the universe, namely gravitational, nuclear and electromagnetic forces. This is can only be accomplished through engineering of the genetics or organical systems of a lifeform. However, once an organic lifeform acquires psionic abilities, the trait is able to be passed down the bloodline through genetics. Humanity was first able to achieve Psionic powers in 2168, where a controversial genetic experiment was a success to develop a human being with the ability to interact with matter and energy. Over one millenia, many humans have acquired psionic abilities of some degree through the passing of psionic genes, with varying differences in potential for development that require a psionic amplifier to fully augment, something that most governments restrict to police and military personnel.

Military applications

Terran Concordium

Psionic abilities are highly valued in the Concordium.

Psionics abilities are highly valued in many military organisations across the universe. In the Terran Concordium, most humans are psionic to a degree, as a result of genetic inheritance. In the Concordian military, those with high potential for psionic ability are specially trained and outfitted with psionic amplifier to make their powers effective in combat. These specialised soldiers, named "psions", are some of the most feared and effective out of all infantry forces of the Concordium. The installation of military-grade amps increase psionic abilities to several magnitudes; a typical Concordian psion can easily lift several hundred kilograms of mass, use telekinesis, create rift singularities and possess moderate mind-interfacing abilities.

Psionic soldiers are far more capable in combat than a conventional soldier, have access to many more methods of engaging a foe and also have far higher survivability rates. Psionics can easily disarm or disable enemy combatants with their powers, use objects in the environment as deadly missiles against combatants or create psionic shields that block incoming fire. In addition, psionic abilities allow soldiers to traverse terrain easily as most are able to levitate or perform very high leaps with their abilities, which coupled with exoskeletal boosters, allow psionic soldiers to attack from all angles and surprise enemies.

Paragon

The elite superhuman strike force of the Concordium, the Paragons, require some degree of psionic aptitude to become a Paragon operative. Outfitted with enhanced psionic amplifiers that allow them to channel far more psionic energy through their bodies as a result of their superhuman ability, Paragons are able to devastate the battlefield with psionic powers far superior to a regular human soldier. Psionics serve as ancillary abilities, supplementing the superhuman strength, speed and weaponry of a Paragon to become the apex combatant in battle. Those with exceptional psionic prowess, similarly to regular human psions, become dedicated psionic warriors, using their psionic abilities almost exclusively as weapons.The Paragon mandate for psionic ability has proved crucial in many battles and engagements in the past. They became especially important in the devastating Medusa War, where conventional firepower was often not enough for the search and destroy missions undertaken by Paragons to eradicate the parasite.

Vyrainian Empire

The Vyrainian race feature natural psionic ability due to their exposure to a riftspace rift beside their homeworld of Vyrannt. The continual exposure of the Vyrainian over several dozen millenia have led to modern Vyrainians developing potent psionic powers in every individual. The Vyrainian military thus makes extensive use of psionic abilities in combat. Every infantry soldier holds psionic capabilities roughly equivalent to Concordian psions, and uniquely integrate their psionic powers with their weaponry. The Vyrainian rifle corps guide the projectiles fired by their firearms with their psionic abilities while their incinerators amplify the ferocity of their flames with psionic powers.

Law enforcement usage

Psionics are much rarer in police, as most of the times, police forces do not need the powerful abilities psionics have access to. In police forces that do field psionic officers and operatives, they are often part of specialised teams like counter-terrorism forces, paramilitary units or investigatory agents. Police psionics are much less capable than their military counterparts as most seek to disarm and disable rather than kill.