Technology in the zone centers around energy flows. Convergences of energy flows produce matter. The great convergences have given rise to stars, the lesser convergences generate planets and other celestial bodies. These in turn emit energy which can be harnessed by self-propagating life forms. Sentient life forms, of which the Golconda are the most advanced in the zone, have learnt to capture and manipulate this energy using crystals which are abundant on most non-solar astral bodies in the zone.
The energy flows, where they led to the creation of planets, tended to concentrate elements and compounds into crystalline form. As a result large quantities of gemstones exist on Golcondan worlds. The colour and purity of the crystalline structure determines the amount of energy each crystal can contain. Where energy concentrations produced excesses of soft matter (equate with atoms which are low on the Periodic Table) huge "gas giant" planets developed.
The most important skill on Kimberley is gem cutting because proper shape and size serves to amplify and focus the power contained in crystals. As well gems are an essential part of the Golcondan social structure (see Guilds) The rarest skill is gem forming.
Most life forms are based on silicone rather than carbon, which under the influence of energy flows, has a tendency to adopt a hard crystalline structure, covering many areas with huge heaps of worthless diamonds. A consequence of this is that hard metals are a rarity because they require carbon for added strength.
Using the energy contained in crystals, matter can be converted into a viscous and malleable state, formed into the desired shape, and then "frozen" by allowing it to convert to its strongly bonded prior state. Thus construction of seamless, extremely strong structures and machines is possible.
Travel is accomplished by filtering energy flows. These energy flows occur in different wave lengths and `drive' crystals harness the energy and convert it into motion. The shape of a crystal determines its function, whilst colour affects wave length. The shorter the wavelength harnessed, the faster the vehicle travels. FTL travel is achieved by folding space (generating wormholes).
First pictures showing a Void Gate being tested near Kimberley in the Golconda home system.
