"maybe thought is superluminal, is consciousness something fundamental to the basic structure of the universe, like space, time and energy?"
Hey Megan you really need to check out my article:
Seven States of Matter - Everything is Mind » Secrets of Mind and Reality
This is exactly what you are looking for! It contains the anwers to your superbly asked questions!
Thought indeed is superluminal. It transcends the speed limit of the physical universe (light) because it is of a higher plane than the physical dimension. Thought wave is the universal matter by which all other states of matter are condensed into physical form.