Subspace and gallicite-induced storms, as a probably cause of the Ego extinction

T’Laan(a1), Balducci, R(a2)

Received: stardate 966.1
Published: pending

The currently accepted theory as to the direct cause of the extinction on Ego is a sudden climate change event. There is, however, no widely accepted theory as to what caused the climate change. There are no signs of widespread warfare sufficient to destabilise the atmospheric balance. There are no nearby supernovae remnants of the correct age. There are none of the chemical markers that would indicate a gamma-ray burst hit the planet.

In this paper, we will present a case for the climate change to have been caused by a subspace shockwave, likely originating near the Suliban system, and estimated to have occurred between 350 and 364 years ago. While subspace fields do not usually have a significant effect in normal space, Ego contains a number of mountain ranges which are rich in Gallicite. This mineral produces electrical discharges when exposed to even moderate subspace fields. The estimated subspace field strength which hit Ego is estimated to be in the range of hundreds of kilocochrane per unit time. This, combined with the amplifying effect from Kemocite deposits is capable of having produced widespread electromagnetic storms thereby increasing production of nitrogen oxides and nitric acid in the atmosphere, in turn reducing the solar radiation reaching the surface.

Academic Correspondence

To: Lieutenant (j.g.) T’Laan, Repair & Refit Division, Starbase 12
From: Commander Calista Erikson, Science Division, Starfleet Academy

Stardate 704.2

My day is made, my week even! A new paper! At this rate you might finish all 8 in, oh, another decade.

I do understand that it is rather difficult to engage in new and original research while stuck on a starbase. If you’re interested in an assignment to a research outpost once your tour on Starbase 12 is up, let me know, I can pull some strings if necessary. Jokes aside, the Review Committee is going to be asking some hard questions if you’re still working on this in another 3 years.


To: Lieutenant (j.g.) T’Laan, Engineering Department, USS Thunder Child NCC-397
From: Commander Calista Erikson, Science Division, Starfleet Academy

Stardate 729.1

Convoy escort duty along the Romulan Neutral Zone? Rather you than me. There isn’t all that much interesting out that way.

The one thing that does come to mind is the outpost at Iota Horologii. It was established a little under three years ago. There’s a debate as to whether the ruins on planet 4 and 5’s moons are from the same race as the ruins on planet 4 itself. See Ch’zhylnoq & Marcus (2205) and Wright, et al (2204) for the main arguments on each side. I suspect they’d appreciate an engineer’s point of view on the matter. See if you can get a day or two shore leave during a resupply visit and have a look at the ruins on the moons for yourself.


To: Lieutenant (j.g.) T’Laan, Engineering Department, USS Thunder Child NCC-397
From: Commander Calista Erikson, Science Division, Starfleet Academy

Stardate 774.8

Um, hello? It’s been months and not a word. What’s happening?


To: Lieutenant (j.g.) T’Laan, Chief Engineer, USS Jemison NCC-547
From: Commander Calista Erikson, Science Division, Starfleet Academy

Stardate 815.6

Congratulations on the new position. It’s a good ship, from everything I’ve heard.

Once you get settled in, give the team on Ego a shout. A former colleague of mine is there, Dr Renzo Balducci. I’ll send an introduction later today. They’ve got a fairly small team there and, from what I understand, a planet full of mysteries to be solved. He’ll likely welcome a hand.


To: Lieutenant (j.g.) T’Laan, Chief Engineer, USS Jemison NCC-547
From: Commander Calista Erikson, Science Division, Starfleet Academy

Stardate 842.1

About that paper you promised me? Just a reminder. That is, if you’re intending to finish any time before I retire.


To: Lieutenant (j.g.) T’Laan, Chief Engineer, USS Jemison NCC-547
From: Commander Calista Erikson, Science Division, Starfleet Academy

Stardate 906.1

70 million years old? And still intact? That is astounding.
I assume I can expect a detailed writeup sometime in the next year or two?


To: Lieutenant Commander T’Laan, Chief Engineer, USS Jemison NCC-547
From: Commander Calista Erikson, Science Division, Starfleet Academy

Stardate 963.5

From some of the chatter I hear, the sector’s expected to blow up or something sometime soon. Please send me the last required paper before that happens.
And be careful.