The Particle
In 2269, a team of 127 Federation scientists were working on a top secret experiment entitled “Project Omega” at a classified research center in the Lantauro sector. The project’s goal was to create an inexhaustible energy source which would end all needs for all other sources of energy, hence the name Omega. The research showed a single molecule of Omega contained the same power as a warp core which led Professor K’mtv Ketoract, the leader of the scientists, to believe a small chain of Omega molecules could sustain a civilization for countless of years.
Ketoract, along with the other scientists, theorized that the Omega molecule once existed in nature for an infinitesimal period of time at the exact moment of the big bang. Ketoract even postulated Omega was the primal source of energy for the explosion that began our universe.
The scientists were able to synthesize a single Omega molecule but only for a fraction of a second before it destabilized, destroying the research center and killing all 127 scientists. An unexpected secondary effect was the rupture of subspace extending out 3.2 light-years. Through further theoretical tests, Starfleet Command a chain reaction involving a handful of Omega Molecules could devastate and/or destroy subspace throughout an entire quadrant.
Starfleet, in an attempt to keep all information of the destruction of the research center and the subspace rupture secret, Starfleet suppressed all knowledge of the experiment and fabricated the story of a natural phenomenon occurring in the Lantauro sector which causes the lack of warp travel in a radius of 3.2 light-years.
The Omega Directive
Starfleet captains and Federation flag officers must ensure the safety of the quadrant from the Omega threat. To this end, whenever, sensors positively determine the presence of Omega in a ships vicinity, it will enter :Omega Mode.” Doing so, locks all navigation, sensor, tactical, and propulsion systems. Only the ship’s captain, or a Federation flag officer can release the Omega lockout. Access to sensor data relieved on the Omega effect is limited to Clearance Level 10. When Omega has been verified, the ship’s captain will contact Starfleet Command immediately. No information may be relayed to the ship’s crew. All other priorities are rescinded until the threat is neutralized. The prime Directive may be compromised during such a mission, if necessary. Blatant abuse of this power will be prosecuted to the fullest extent using all other Starfleet Directives. If violation of the Prime Directive is even minimally anticipated, it is authorized and advised. If Starfleet Command cannot be contacted for any reason, the primary priority is the destruction of all Omega molecules. There will be no computer record of the sensor logs and captain’s and captain’s personal logs must be either encrypted or deleted.