Chapter 27: Resistance is futile (X)
Ian chuckled, "OK, Imperial physics stops literally at the relativistic level. Don't get me wrong they've explored every inch of everything directly stated or as a direct consequence of relativity. What they haven't done is ventured into Quantum Physics, simply put matter is just matter to them. Space, energy and matter aren't interchangeable in their physics, and is one of the reasons why the more classified tech designs I found don't work, anyway."
"We've figured out a model that explains almost all the mediator particles as quantum strings....." Ian stopped talking when he saw Matt's eyes glaze over, he'd already lost them. "OK, different approach. Helium won't freeze into a solid even at absolute zero, do you know why?"
Matt shook his head at Ian, "Absolute Zero, you mean negative 273 degrees centigrade, where it's so cold that even the electrons in an atom stop moving?"
Ian nodded his head, "That's right. Absolute Zero is the point according to relativity where EVERYTHING has NO energy ie no movement no nothing. But if that's so, why doesn't helium freeze solid? It's because even when it has Zero Energy, it still has energy. This is called Zero Point Energy. Space is matter with dimensions of zero by zero by zero, that exists because of the Lorentz Field or the Zero Point Field. It literally is the force of the universe. It's unending and it's in everything, every piece of matter, anti matter, force, piece of space. No one's successfully tapped the field, but on star trek they theorised about how it could be done."
Ian paused as he finished chomping down his breakfast. "It's called the Quantum Gravimetric Core. Inside which is an artificial singularity. Basically it's a controllable black hole."
Matt dropped his cup which bounced off the deck, ruining the effect as he stared at Ian, "It's WHAT!?"
Ian looked up at him and smiled, "Relax, it's safer then a Matter/Anti-Matter reactor...."
Matt looked at him incredulously, "How can it be SAFER to put a black hole in the ship then a reactor that has been tried and proven true over how many millennia? Besides didn't you say this was all the theoretical nonsense of a Star Trek writer?"
Ian sighed, "Yes, it's theoretical, but the theory is doable with Imperial Science. It's simple, the fighter's have shields that all run off micro-fusion cores correct?"
Matt nodded in agreement with Ian.
"Basically we use several independent micro-fusion reactors to power several independent shield generators. The generators work by inducing gravitons to create a powerful gravity field that dissipates energy around the shield. So far so good?" At this everyone else nodded
"So basically we setup a heap of gfg or gravity field generators in a circle, and form a gravity funnel, if you focus the fields tight enough you get the tiniest, barely a few nano-centimetre long event horizon on an artificial black hole. The gravity funnel and black hole disassemble everything and not just hydrogen either like the current reactor can, right down to the quantum string level. Releasing a hell of a lot more energy then annihilating it would."
"It's safer because every reaction isn't essentially a bomb, there's very little containment needed as all the gravitational forces are already accounted for, and best part of all the reactor can't breach. If anything happens the gravity generators just shut down, and the gravity funnel and the resulting singularity automatically return to single space. There is no mass powering it, so in essence it's like a big electro-magnet. And the best part is, all I need to do to really ensure containment is place the whole thing in a null gravity field tied to the shutdown sequence. Bam, foolproof."
Matt considered what Ian had said, it seemed both plausible and incredible at the same time, he scowled at Ian's smug looking face for a moment before he said. "Get to work on a design with Nick. I'll also need to see a fairly smaller version if you can as a proof of concept before I consent to install your reactor into the ship. I'd like to see something before we launch but don't kill yourself on this. We'll launch into space first and then we'll see about your reactor." Matt was about to bring the meeting to a close when Nick quietly asked.
"What then Captain?"
Matt turned to look at Nick questioningly as Nick looked up from his coffee and said, "Once the ship is launched and fully operational what do you intend to do?"
Matt exhaled very slowly, he was wondering when this was going to come up. "Well Nick that depends, the cryo systems are useless, and you'll probably have to cannibalise them at some point. Though it would be nice to have that technology working instead of throwing someone into the brig. Ultimately I want to explore space. Maybe go to one of the local star systems. I looked at the survey of this region that Captain Soren did. According to her anaylsis there were two other potentially habitable worlds within range.
Nick nodded, "Sounds like something to do. Alright, come on Ian let's go have a look at this insanity of yours." Ian grinned at that and stood up and left with Ian.
Ian left from the talk with Ian about the new reactor design with a feeling of restlessness, he knew that repairs were proceeding apace and he had a great deal of work to do regarding designing several new systems to refit the ship to make use of the new technology. Yet for some reason he felt largely unsatisfied, this was a ancient warship filled with unbelievable technology. Yet his inner geek was out of sync with his outer geek which was in techno heaven. During his musings Ian had drifted off the path to the science labs and almost without realising it, ended up in what looked like the Security Centre.
"Sam?" Ian enquired, "Is the Kovali outfitted with any kind of range facilities for practising marksmanship?"
"Why yes Ian." Sam responded, "After coming out of Cryo-stasis, it was standard operating procedure for the on board troop detachment to re-qualify in all basic weapon proficiencies. Would you like me to activate the training deck for your use, even though that contravenes your current tasking?"
Ian sighed, "Yes Sam, and since I know you're going to inform Matt anyway. Can you add that I need to work out the kinks, don't worry he'll understand. So what goodies do we have today?" Ian said as he rubbed his hands as the small arms lockers opened for his inspection.
The first set of lockers that Ian approached contained some interesting if familiar looking weaponry.
"After you hooked me up to the Internet I was able to obtain technical specifications for a range of Earth based weaponry, then upgraded them inline with standard Imperial ballistic weapons technology. This should provide a familiar frame of reference while achieving proficiency with Imperial weapons technology." Sam informed Ian as he removed a AUG F88T Steyr rifle, inspected it and then replaced it.
Ian shook his head and said, "No, I'm looking for something a little more high-tech." Before moving on the next locker set.
Sam immediately piped in, "The next locker contains special forces grade organic based and concealable particle weapons. Matt has designated this locker off-limits to all crew until further notice. I'm sorry Ian, but this includes you."
Ian swore under his breath slightly before moving on with a sigh. "So what does that leave me with Sam?"
"Security inventory shows an array of standard non-concealable particle weapons, replacement munitions for both ballistic and particle weapons as well as a locker of miscellaneous training and close quarters weaponry."
At the words particle, Ian's eyes had steadily been growing larger and he started to get excited as he said, "Show me the standard particle weapons."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone