Omega particle (Star Trek)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the Star Trek universe, the Omega Particle is an extremely unstable synthetic molecule with enough internal energy to destroy a civilization by disrupting subspace and making warp travel impossible. It appears in the Star Trek: Voyager episode The Omega Directive.
Omega can be synthesized from Boronite ore, and it can consist of one molecule or as a cluster. As displayed on Voyager's viewscreens, the molecule's structure closely resembles a Fullerene molecule. The more there are, the more danger it represents. In one instance, an Omega molecule is created by scientists on a base in the Lantaru Sector. Omega destabilized and exploded, destroying the base, and disrupting subspace throughout the sector.
The Borg refer to it as Particle 010 and consider it a model of perfection as it consists of a very complex pattern of energy making one stable whole. Seven of Nine's attitude toward it was almost religious.
Because of its dangerous nature, all Starfleet admirals and captains have a standing order, the Omega Directive, to destroy all Omega particles at any cost, even ignoring the Prime Directive for the duration of the mission. This can be done relatively safely with a special "gravimetric charge". Since it makes a tempting power source, the Omega particle's existence is a closely guarded secret. Information about it is limited to Starfleet captains and flag officers, and strictly on a need-to-know basis.
The full story of the Lantaru base is told in the original series novel Cloak, in which the scientist who first theorised the existence of the particle is recruited by Section 31 to create a power source that would make the Federation the dominant power. Like all Star Trek novels this is not canonical.
[edit] External links
- Omega molecule article at Memory Alpha, the Star Trek wiki.
