Lesion

Lesion is a term of Covenant origin applied to volumes of space exhibiting a range of anomalous phenomena, typically associated with those with unsettling psychological effects which may or may not accompany other, more immediate physical dangers. Sometimes described as regions of "wounded" space-time, lesions are typically no larger than a star system and are most often smaller, but there are a few notable exceptions. Lesions are often irregular in shape and even their true scale can fluctuate. Though the concept of lesions as such was not known to humanity prior to the Covenant contact, vaguely similar phenomena encountered in the Human Sphere have been categorized loosely as anomalous volumes. Similar but less severe phenomena have also been described as flaws.

Few crews have navigated lesions, and even fewer wish to do so again. The feelings experienced by living beings there vary, but some describe it as a deep sense of being unwelcome. Of a dread deeper than time itself. Of whispers in unspoken tongues just at the back of one's thoughts. Though sensor data is inconclusive (many of the effects go unrecorded by sensors), eyewitness reports speak of the light itself feeling twisted and fell. While lesions appear to follow the ordinary laws of physics most of the time, this is not always the case. Ships, objects or individuals have also been reported as having unexpectedly phased into walls or floors, or out of normal space altogether; this is somewhat similar to effects that may occur near a malfunctioning slipspace drive. While it is difficult to verify all of these reports, they have made sure most crews know better than to try and navigate lesions. Any long-term settlement within a lesion is unthinkable; those who have tried have found only madness and death. Some phenomena described as lesions may be argued to be natural, though most are supposedly the result of the deployment of esoteric weaponry by trans-Tier-1 entities in the distant past. Additionally, some effects attributed to lesions may be the result of Forerunner camouflaging technology, such as dazzlers. Because of their nebulous nature, lesions can also be notoriously difficult to detect, which makes the Orion Complex a treacherous region to traverse.