| Type | |
| Scarcity | Rare and highly sought after |
| Discovered | Mid-22nd century |
| Energy output | Unique, revolutionized space travel |
| Planet of origin | |
| Impact on history | Shaped the course of galactic history, sparked conflict and power struggles |
| Political influence | Vexbolt trade shaped interstellar politics |
| Effect on space travel | Human expansion, colonization of neighboring star systems |
Vexbolts, named for the Zeta Reticuli system from which they hail, are a rare type of mineral with unique properties that have revolutionized space travel and played a pivotal role in humanity's expansion and colonization throughout the Milky Way galaxy.
Vexbolts were first discovered in 2058 by a joint UN-private sector expedition to the exoplanet Zeta Reticuli I. Found in veins near the planet's core, the mineral's chemical composition was initially thought to be similar to helium-3 yet exhibiting distinct differences. Extraction, processing and study of the mineral commenced at the expeditions' on-site research lab Zeta Station.
When subjected to electromagnetic fields, Vexbolts emit a constant stream of highly energetic particles. Harnessing this energy allows for substantially more efficient fusion reactors, which, in turn, significantly reduces fuel consumption during long-range space travel.
An additional benefit of Vexbolts comes from their refractive qualities. When subjected to specific frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, Vexbolts create a wave form that allows for the creation of superluminal communication networks utilizing entangled particles.
After early experiments confirmed the properties of Vexbolts, the materials soon replaced deuterium as the primary fuel source in newly designed starships. The increased efficiency enabled by Vexbolts greatly reduced the fuel requirements for interstellar missions, thus making prolonged space travel more feasible.
A frenzy of new space exploration programs emerged, pushing out into the galaxy at an unprecedented rate using Vexbolt-powered vessels. New scientific discoveries, colonies, and trade routes arose. By 2100, humanity boasted a significant presence in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy.
The expansion was led in large part by the Terranic Consortium, a newly formed supranational entity of corporations, governments, and scientific institutions focused on galactic exploration. With the advantages afforded by Vexbolts, the Consortium led the way in pushing the boundaries of known space, establishing dozens of colonies on Earth-like planets and utilizing exotic ecosystems for unique economic opportunities.
Corporations involved in the Vexbolt industries, such as Helion Energies and Quanta Systems, gained substantial power with this newfound wealth. Vexbolt mining became a highly competitive sector, with companies racing to secure claims of the lucrative resource.
As humanity continued to grow beyond Solar System boundaries, tensions arose over the control and distribution of Vexbolts. Several galactic disputes had erupted over colonies rich in the valuable mineral, leading to military alliances and arms races both within the Terranic Consortium and with Aliens.
In 2326, the situation escalated into the first major interstellar war when the Althar Empire, seeking to seize control of the Zeta Reticuli I, clashed with Terranic forces in the Sagan Battle. The conflict, which lasted six years, solidified the need for a united response against interstellar threats, giving rise to the Alliance of Planets.
Throughout the next several centuries, Vexbolts remained emblematic of the great human endeavor to journey out into the stars. However, discoveries also brought into focus the limitations of even this powerful resource, inspiring new research into more exotic and advanced propulsion technologies.
At the dawn of the current millennium, Vexbolts are still utilized for their unparalleled energy output - pushing humanity ever deeper into unexplored regions of space. But as new frontiers loom, humanity searches for whatever may come next, pondering what other unexpected treasures might transform their ventures into the final frontier.
