The maelstrom is a charged nebula located in the Albarrio and Relgim sectors in the Nebula, lightspeed is impossible' pilots being forced to rely on sublight engines. The Nebula is protected by Imperial fleets, whatever is in the middle of the nebula a mystery. Some speculate a prison for the most dangerous of Imperial prisoners, but no one knows, granted not many know of the Nebula itself other than the Emperor, selected agents, and the fleet surrounding it.