13 Cold Fusion

“One of the most significant scientific discoveries during the Reformation was an unintended consequence of the evolution of Terran attempts to satisfy increasing demands for energy. The early reliance, during the early years of the Dark Ages, on unreliable and dangerous sources of energy to augment instead supplanted most traditional sources of energy, such as stellar radiation and other natural sources like water, wind and geothermal. These new sources, such as the consumption of fossil fuels — the ultimate expression of the philosophy of exploitation — and nuclear fission, were ecologically destructive, but the demand for the needs — and luxuries — they fulfilled found expression in the obsessive drive for new and safer sources of energy.”

“One Terran species, a very close relative of Humans, was at the vanguard of this search. The Greeks discovered a way to excite, harvest, and then utilize the energy from quantum antimatter, and from nuclear fusion. The power generators required for these operations were necessarily large at first. Over time they became smaller and more efficient, requiring less — and with regard to fusion, using different — fuel. One family of elements was found that actually produced antimatter during the fusing process, and could generate power from miniscule amounts and minimal initial energy. It was these compact power cells that were effectively used in Neuralysers and other small and portable neuronal devices.”

“Importantly, the Greeks designed and built the first vessels that carried Terrans into space. At first, these excursions were very limited. Short duration orbits turned into quick visits to Terra’s natural satellites, which in turn became month- and years-long trips to other planets in the system. Each improvement in energy generation was followed by improvements in the speed or range or any number of other qualities of the machines they and others designed, improved and built.”

“The Greeks also had an affinity for abstract mathematics and theoretical physics, a characteristic that earned them the nickname Geeks, a Vulcun word that meant “smart but obsessive, especially about details.” Their work in quantum mechanics, especially tunneling and entanglement, inspired the means to not only transport nearly anything from one location to another, but also to traverse interstellar distances nearly instantly. It was only after Humans introduced the Greeks to the ConSci, however, that the consequences of these insights were fully realized.”

“The Greeks had discovered how to travel back in time.”

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