Quantium 40 (Babylon 5)
Quantum 40 is an element that features in Babylon 5.
Contents |
History
Quantum 40
The Well of Forever was noted to have had a core of Quantum 40 as it came to settle in hyperspace. (Episode: The Well of Forever)
In 2258, Universal Terraform hired Catherine Sakai as a surveyor to scout uncharted worlds for possible mineral deposits such as Quantum 40. This came after their scouts determined the presence of diridium at Sigma 957 and tasked Sakai with checking if the world would be worth the investment. At the time, there was a shortage of Q-40 on Earth with jump gate construction being backed up by six months. This prompted the megacorporation Universal Terraform to hire Sakai to survey the remote system for viable deposits. Despite a direct and ominous warning from Ambassador G’Kar to stay away from Sigma 957, Sakai’s pursuit of the valuable Quantium-40 led her into a terrifying encounter with an unknown vessel that nearly destroyed her. (Episode: Mind War)
Overview
In appearance, Quantium-40 was characterized by a chemically complex and naturally occurring quasi-crystalline structure that was as beautiful as it was dangerous. In its raw state, the mineral often existed in small, concentrated veins buried deep within the rocky crust of specific planetary bodies. When refined, the substance became an exceptionally pure and highly radioactive material that emitted a lethal glow, necessitating extreme caution during handling. (Episode: Mind War)
A by-product of the element was traces of diridium that allowed survey teams to determine the potential of deposits of Quantum 40 on a planet. Though an indication, there was no certainty if the mineral was present on the target world which was why surveyors were deployed to examine the site in order to determine if it would be a worthy investment. (Episode: Mind War)
The substance was established as an exceptionally rare and radioactive material essential for the construction and operation of jump gates, making it a cornerstone of interstellar travel for every spacefaring race. (Episode: Mind War)
Notes
- Quantum 40 was created by J. Michael Straczynski where it featured in the setting of the Babylon 5 universe.
Appearances
- Babylon 5: "Mind War"
- Crusade:
External Links
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