An Omega molecule, also called the Omega particle and Particle 010, was a highly unstable and short lived molecule that was known to exist within the universe.
The sheer power of the particle meant that a single stable molecule was capable of generating the same power output as a warp core. Furthermore, it was believed that upto 200 million molecules were sufficient enough to devastate an entire quadrant within a galaxy.
It was believed that if it could be artificially recreated then it would be a powerful substance that was capable of powering an entire civilization.
History
It was theorized that it existed in nature at the instant of the Big Bang.
A single Omega molecule was synthesized in 2268 by Federation physicist Dr. Bendes Kettaract. It remained stable for a fraction of a second before exploding, killing 127, destroying the research station and rupturing subspace for several light years in the Lantaru sector, making warp travel and subspace communications impossible. (VOY episode: "The Omega Directive"; TOS novel: Cloak)
It was later determined this incident was orchestrated by an assimilated Vulcan named T'Uerell. She was able to stabilize an Omega molecule and used it to power a Borg sphere, which was destroyed by James T. Kirk. Kirk thereafter recommended the establishment of the Omega Directive, ordering the destruction of Omega molecules whenever discovered, and limiting knowledge of the molecule to starship captains and flag officers. The event was later known as the Kettaract Incident. (ST video games: gd, Legacy)
The Borg learned of the Omega molecule (known to them as "Particle 010") through the assimilation. They regarded Omega with near-reverence, believing it to be a perfect and flawless substance. They were able to synthesize a single molecule, which destroyed 29 Borg vessels with 600,000 drones when it destablized. All Borg were ordered to assimilate any Omega molecules found.
In 2374, the USS Voyager discovered a civilization in the Delta Quadrant which was successful in synthesizing some 200 million stable Omega molecules. (VOY episode: "The Omega Directive")
Species 8472 were noted as using omega molecules as powerful weapons of mass destruction in alternate timelines during their war against the Borg Collective. In one timeline, this resulted in the large scale destruction of Borg space with the remaining vessels restricted to sublight. (VOY novel: Places of Exile)
In 2376, the Borg, led by a clone of Locutus, attacked the Federation, Klingon Empire, and Romulan Star Empire in an attempt to obtain an Omega particle. They were eventually stopped and destroyed by the USS Enterprise-E. (video game: Armada)
Connections
- Omega molecule article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.