Lunar Joint Research Center, Lunar Shipyards May 2151
"Success!" Dr. William Oberman cried as the white glow filling the lab died down. On computer screens around the room, large energy spikes were gradually going down. "Gentlemen," Dr. Oberman said, turning to the people standing behind them, "it looks like those millions in research dollars have finally paid off."
"So the reactor works?" asked Admiral George Doolittle, the commander of the U.S. Earth Sector Fleet.
"It most certainly does," Oberman replied, a large grin on his face. "We're finally able to tap into the enormous energy inherent in Zero-space. While it is true that Z-space is empty and totally devoid of matter, it is filled with energy. And now, with this reactor-" he motioned to the apparatus in the adjacent chamber "-we're finally able to harness that power, which, for all intents and purposes, is infinite." Oberman had to stop a minute to compose himself. "Just think, infinite power! It will not only revolutionize the fleets, but all of human civilization! Hell, Andalite civilization, too!"
The five men who were witnesses to the reactor's success exchanged glances. They knew the Andalites, despite what the Z-space reactor might mean for civilization, would be less then ecstatic when they heard the news of it. For the last several years, the Andalites had been expressing concern at the pace of human expansion and innovation. Things were getting even tenser now, ever since the Martian terraforming had been completed in 2145. The Andalites had scoffed at the idea of such a radical transformation across an entire planet, and were wholeheartedly shocked when the humans managed it. Now, who knew how the Andalites would react when they heard that the humans had harnessed infinite energy.
"Of course, you know Dr. Oberman," said Gunther von Dimmler, the U.N.s science chief, "nothing is to be done about this breakthrough until my peers and I talk to our superiors and the world leaders. As you might know, the situation with the Andalites is… delicate." He looked at his around at the others. They all nodded in affirmation.
Von Dimmler's "peers" were representatives from around Earth. Doolittle was the American military representative to the project. A large man with a hulking frame, Doolittle was known throughout the Fleet as a no nonsense kind of guy. He was an "old school" military man who had little patience for political correctness. He was the kind to lead a charge rather than direct from a desk.
Fleetleader Chiang Woo-hyun of the PSA Sol Fleet was the Protectorate's military liaison. He was the exact opposite of Doolittle. Slight, bookish, he was a strategist and a bureaucrat first, a soldier second.
The European Union was represented by Vice-Admiral Diego Federico of the E.U. Space Command. Federico was enormous, easily tipping the scales at over 400 pounds. Despite this, Federico was well respected by everyone who knew him, garnering a solid reputation as a fair and involved officer as he rose through the ranks of the European Space Command.
Completing the group was General Xiao Li, the head of the Chinese High Command. Despite, his short stature and slight frame, Li had developed a reputation of someone not to be crossed. He was normally quiet and reserved, but those who served under him long enough could tell fearsome stories of what he did when he was truly upset.
Von Dimmler was the only civilian in the group. Other civilians would be allowed in to see the results following the military tour.
"I've heard about the tensions," Oberman said, his face suddenly grim, "what do you think the Andalites will do when they catch wind of this?"
"We don't know." It was Federico. "That's why this has to go through the official government bureaucratic muck-a-muck before anything official can be done. The civs will tell you the same thing."
"You can take your time," Oberman said, "before this can be installed in ships and power plants, some real work needs to be done, mainly the mining of Obtrisium."
"Obtrisium?" said General Li.
"A rare element, it's the only thing we know that can contain the energies of the Z-space reactor. As far as we know, it's only found on one planet. Fortunately, it's one of our planets. The only know deposit is in the High Reaches in the Protectorate's territory on Harvest. However, we have a second team working on synthesizing the metal."
"The five nodded, and the four military officers made mental notes to send a note to their higher ups to boost defenses around Harvest.
--------------------
Andalite Senate, Andalite Homeworld October 2151
Outrageous! It was Senator-prince Rasgan-Durmadas-Curiva. They must be pulling your tail, Ambassador, there is no way human science could have made such a leap!
Maybe there isn't, Senator, but I assure you that human science has indeed made the leap said the Andalite ambassador to the U.N., Seloran-Ashvin-Eskerra grimly. I saw the data with my own eyes. Already the United States has announced that its next starship class will be equipped with the Z-reactors.
We can't allow the humans to pursue this technology said Rasgan. I've been warning everyone for years, the humans are turning into the next Yeerks!
Indeed, senator? It was Senator Duria-Filorac-Vineel. I can find huge difference between the humans and the Yeerks. She began ticking off on her fingers. All of the human-controlled worlds were originally unsettled. All the human scientific achievements in the last 25 years have been made entirely on their own. And then there is the fact that we've been allies with them for almost 150 years!
I've no need of your human sympathies, Senator said Rasgan. If humans ever get the idea that they are superior to us, who knows what they might try?
Despite what you may want to believe, Senator, this energy technology is superior to our own. replied Duria. She was a pragmatist and nothing if not blunt.
And that is exactly why they can't pursue it! Rasgan said I'm suggesting applying immediate diplomatic pressure to the human governments to scrap the Z-reactor program.
And if they don't? asked another senator.
Then we blockade the planet vital to the reactor construction, Harvest.
Are you out of your mind?! yelled Duria. That's an act of war!
I'm aware of that, Senator relied Rasgan.
You are suggesting starting a war because, because… your pride's been hurt? That's ridiculous!
It is not a matter of pride, Senator said Rasgan. It is a matter of security. The humans are doing too much, going too far, too fast. They are not ready for such leaps and could handle them… dangerously. I think my fellow Senators support me. There were murmurs of consent from the audience, but Duria noticed that some look troubled at Rasgan's suggestions as she withdrew into her place.