The quantum weapon powering up.
The quantum weapon was a defensive weapon developed by the Planetary Union in their conflict with the Kaylon in 2422. The weapon would lead to a substantial shift in the balance of power in the galaxy, bringing about an alliance between the Union and Kaylon against a similar alliance between the Krill and Moclan species.
History[]
During their a visit to planet Situla 4, the USS Orville encountered Timmis, a reprogrammed, pacifist Kaylon. Timmis was studied extensively by Ensign Charly Burke and Isaac, a Kaylon who had sided with the Union.[1] From these studies, Burke and Isaac were able to develop a weapon, powered by the quantum drive aboard the Orville, which emitted an energy pulse that disrupted the synchronization matrix which connected both the Kaylon ships and the Kaylon themselves, and create a feedback loop, destroying both. The device could not be countermanded, once activated.
The weapon was first employed against a Kaylon fleet during their attempted invasion of Xelaya. The weapon was highly effective, destroying 61 Kaylon spheres in a ten million kilometer radius in a matter of seconds. Having been disconnected from the matrix, Isaac himself was unharmed.
In the aftermath of the battle, Isaac and Burke confirmed that the weapon's range was limited to the power source used, and that, with a sufficiently large source, the weapon could exterminate the Kaylon completely.
The weapon's effectiveness would provoke a substantial debate among the Union's military and civilian leadership, over the morality of using such a weapon to wipe out the Kaylon. Some, like Captain Ed Mercer were extremely hesitant, arguing that using this weapon on such a scale would be tantamount to genocide. Others, including Ensign Burke and Admirals Ozawa and Thomas Perry argued that such an action would be justified, given the Kaylon's own agenda of exterminating biological life.
Ultimately, the Union council agreed to use the weapon as a deterrent, in order to compel a ceasefire from the Kaylon. Admiral Tom Halsey and the Orville crew traveled to Kaylon 1, where they were forced to use the weapon twice more to destroy several attacking Kaylon vessels before the Kaylon stood down. Having seen the weapon in action, Kaylon Primary had no choice but to agree to the Union's terma.
Though the Kaylon conflict appeared to be over, some in the Union were unconvinced that the Kaylon would abide by this agreement and would eventually develop a defense against the weapon. Shortly thereafter, a small faction of rogue officers, led by Admiral Perry, stole the weapon from a secure facility on Earth. From there, Perry delivered the weapon to ships from the newly formed Krill-Moclan alliance, believing that they would be able to reverse-engineer it to develop a larger version to eradicate the Kaylon. Although Perry inteded to return to Earth and turn himself in, Krill Supreme Chancellor of Krill Teleya ordered his shuttle destroyed to delay the Union learning of the alliance. The weapon was taken to a Moclan research outpost on Draconis 427, where a team of engineers, led by noted Moclan scientist Dr. Kalba developed a larger version.
After learning of Perry's betrayal and tracking the weapon to the outpost, which was protected by a fleet of Krill and Moclan ships, the Union was forced to enlist the Kaylon themselves in destroying the larger weapon. While a fleet Union and Kaylon ship engaged the Krill and Moclan in a massive battle in orbit a strike force, consisting of Commander Kelly Grayson, Lieutenant Talla Keyali, Ensign Burke, Isaac, and Kaylon Primary managed to infiltrate the planet.
After managing to capture Chancellor Teleya, the team found that the weapon was active and could not be disarmed. Ensign Burke, being the only one capable of destroying the weapon, remained behind, while the others took Teleya and escaped in a Krill shuttle. Moments later, the weapon self-destructed, taking much of the planet and several of the Krill and Moclan fleet with it.
Having witnesses a biological being sacrifice herself to save the Kaylon forced Kaylon Primary to question his views on biologicals. In the aftermath, Kaylon Primary and Union President Alcuzan would negotiate a permanent alliance between the Union and Kaylon, including a provisional seat on the Union council, with the possibility of full membership to the Union in the future. [2]
Appearances[]
- Episode 3x09: Domino