SPACE TRAVEL

MONO SYSTEM
Most spaceships are fighters which have single-pilot pod cockpits. The pods could be ejected and navigated alone. These spaceships operate under a system  known as the "Machine Operation Navigation of Outer Space" or MONO. This was one the only means for space travel.

HYPERSPACE GATES
In the year 2021, a series of loops called hyperspace gates were constructed across the solar system. Designed and built by a group of scientists led by the famous Chessmaster Hex and funded by Gate Corp., the gates allow quick transportation around the solar system and colonization on other planets became a possibility... But due to a defect in the design, Hex had attempted to stop the construction of the gates. Hex failed and was fired by Gate Corp. The corporation built the gates anyway. The first of the gates seemed to be successful but what is known as the infamous "Gate Incident" occurred shortly afterwards.

GATE INCIDENT
A hyperspace gate between the Earth and its moon exploded, causing a chuck of the moon to scatter into countless meteors. These meteors constantly strike the planet everyday, causing much panic and disaster.
The gate incident changed the lives of many including Faye Valentine and Wen. All data on Faye's past before she was cryogenically frozen was destroyed. The energy from the gate explosion mutated Wen, causing him to stop aging.

OTHER TECHNOLOGY

Technology greatly advanced as the world entered the 21st century.

The world uses a single currency known as Woolongs. Paper money is extremely uncommon due to the current recession in the economy (inflation is astronomical). Most people carry convenient money cards.

Medical technology such as artificial organs and cryogenic freezing have been perfected. Images from the brain can be displayed on monitors with devices like the "Alfa Catch."

Entertainment technology has greatly advanced. Virtual reality video gaming has become a staple of the industry and videocassettes are a thing of the distant past.

The internet, once known as the World Wide Web (WWW), has evolved into the massive Solar System Web (SSW).