The Illusive Hyperspace Fold: Vorlons, Shadows, & Principle
The Shadows possess the technology to fold in and out of Hyperspace, using exponentially less energy.

Rather than having to tear a hole in space, the ship, itself, folds between the two fabrics.

So, if the Shadows, a race at least 1,000 years behind the Vorlons, possess and use this technology, why don't the Vorlons?

Perhaps the Vorlons see it as why bother. Why bother fold when jumping works fine. After all, the Shadows constructed nuclear death clouds. The Vorlons just built big guns.

The Shadows's Planet Killer required time and planning. The Vorlons's was simple yet effective.

There's nothing wrong with jump technology, so why bother fold.

Perhaps the Vorlons saw it as this... Every ship needs to be equipped with a fold matrix, while only a single capital ship needs a jump engine.

Every ship in the Shadow fleet needed a fold engine to enter and exit Hyperspace. With the case of a fleet equipped with jump technology, only a single capital ship needs a jump engine. Hundreds or even thousands of capital and starfighter scale craft and pass through the jump point, as long as the generator ship has enough power reserves.

Perhaps it is that. The fold engine is superior alone, but in a group the jump engine is a better choice.

Or, perhaps it is nothing more than a matter of principle. Perhaps the Vorlons passed on the fold technology simply because they wanted nothing to do with the Shadows. Imagine it. It is not below or beyond them.

They WOULD pass up the technology simply because the Shadows use it and didn't want to be associated with the Shadows in any way.

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Peter Tatara
2.11.1999