Sector RC, Prosperous Universe — In an official statement released late yesterday, APEX Foundation has addressed the persistent inquiries and mounting anticipation surrounding the deployment of the revolutionary Gateway transit system. While initial projections, based on what now appears to be overly optimistic theoretical models and the fervent wishes of several junior astrophysicists, indicated a swift and seamless integration into existing interstellar travel protocols, unforeseen temporal-spatial anomalies have necessitated a recalibration of the projected activation timeline.

The RC Gateway, a new source of amazing and terrible views in the universe.[^1]

Sources within APEX Engineering suggest that the primary impediment to the Gateway deployment stems from unexpected interactions with localized chroniton fields within the proposed transit corridors. “We were observing minor fluctuations,” stated Dr. Aris Thorne, Lead Temporal Engineer, in a hastily convened press conference held via holographic transmission, “mere picosecond deviations, nothing to cause alarm. However, these fluctuations appear to be… amplifying. Think of it like a leaky faucet, but instead of water, it’s… well, time. Messy stuff.”

Faced with the continued absence of rapid transit, the resourceful player base of Prosperous Universe has begun to develop highly specialized (and arguably irrelevant) workarounds. “I’ve optimized my jump drive calculations to shave off a whole three minutes on my run to Giedi Prime,” boasted atlantisrising169 on the galactic comms. “I’m thinking of publishing a speedrunning guide for pre-Gateway travel, complete with frame-perfect gravity assistance maneuvers and advanced asteroid avoidance tactics. It’ll be obsolete the moment those darn Gateways finally open, but hey, bragging rights are forever.”

However, the situation appears to be more… involved than mere temporal leakage. Unsubstantiated reports from deep within the APEX testing facilities paint a rather more visceral picture. According to anonymous sources (who communicated via encrypted data packets containing only images of increasingly distressed space-hamsters), early test jumps involving organic matter have yielded problematic results.

“The initial computer simulations were flawless,” claimed a highly placed (and heavily redacted) APEX Safety Inspector in a leaked internal memo. “However, when we introduced live test subjects let’s just say the matter reintegration process was less than optimal. We’re talking more of a viscous redistribution of biomatter across the interior surfaces of the test ship bridge. The cleanup protocols have been… extensive.”

These alarming accounts corroborate rumors of unusually high desaturation agent requisitions within APEX research facilities and a sudden, inexplicable surge in demand for industrial-grade squeegees across the Castillo-Ito Arm. A concerned representative from the Viscera Cleanup Detail (Local 47-Theta) published a formal grievance, citing “unacceptable levels of unidentified organic residue” on Gateway test ships and demanding new hazmat suits and double ALE allotments for every shift to compensate “the existential dread and persistent smell of… well, you don’t want to know.”

Despite these setbacks APEX remains optimistic (at least publicly) about the eventual deployment of the Gateway system. “We are committed to providing our valued Managing Directors with faster and more efficient interstellar travel,” assured Michi, Head of Public Relations, in a carefully worded statement. “We are simply taking the necessary time to ensure complete structural ship integrity and biological compatibility.”

Meanwhile, for those seeking a career with unparalleled opportunities for rapid advancement (in all directions simultaneously), APEX is now hiring Gateway Test Pilots. The primary requirement is a demonstrated ability to remain optimistic in the face of extreme, unforeseen circumstances. As a bonus, successful applicants will receive a comprehensive vision and dental plan, along with a complimentary commemorative plaque upon their… departure from the program. Apply now!