Linkstone is the most critical resource in civilization — a rare material that enables instant quantum communication across any distance. It backs the galactic currency, determines military capability, and shapes political power.
| Property | Description |
|---|
| Quantum entanglement | Enables FTL communication between linked stones |
| One-time use | Consumed when entanglement is utilized |
| Naturally rare | Limited sources, mostly in contested space |
| Non-synthetic | Cannot be manufactured (so far) |
The primary use:
| Application | Description |
|---|
| Military command | Real-time coordination across light-years |
| Government | Senate communication between systems |
| Commerce | Trade negotiation and contracts |
| Emergency | Distress signals; urgent messages |
Without Linkstone, interstellar civilization would fragment into isolated systems.
Linkstone functions as the “gold standard”:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|
| Reserve value | Currency tied to Linkstone holdings |
| Stability | Limited supply prevents inflation |
| Confidence | Everyone trusts Linkstone value |
| Limitation | Economic growth constrained by supply |
For the Orders specifically:
| Application | Description |
|---|
| Linked gestures | Synchronized katas across distance |
| Fleet coordination | Multiple ships acting as one |
| Purging Protocol | 8+ Storm Lords in real-time sync |
| Intelligence | Instant reports from anywhere |
| Source | Status |
|---|
| Primary mines | TBD locations; heavily guarded |
| Asteroid extraction | Difficult; low yield |
| Alien trade | Some species have sources |
| Recovery | Limited; damaged stones less valuable |
| Factor | Consequence |
|---|
| Scarcity | Every use is a decision |
| Priority | Military gets first access |
| Rationing | Civilian communications limited |
| Hoarding | Strategic reserves maintained |
The Linkstone-backed currency:
| Aspect | Status |
|---|
| Inflation control | Limited supply prevents debasement |
| International trust | Aliens accept payment confidently |
| Political power | Control of reserves = economic power |
| Vulnerability | Disruption to supply = crisis |
The Purging Protocol burned massive Linkstone:
| Impact | Description |
|---|
| Reserves down 12% | Noticeable to careful observers |
| Currency should have fluctuated | Intervention required to stabilize |
| Market signals | Unusual hedging patterns visible |
| Alien concerns | Trading partners asking questions |
This is part of what the TV Analyst notices.
| Component | Function |
|---|
| Relay stations | Amplify and route communications |
| Order networks | Secure military channels |
| Commercial networks | Business and civilian traffic |
| Emergency reserves | For crisis communication |
The network can be:
| Threat | Description |
|---|
| Sabotaged | Saboteurs degrading relay quality |
| Depleted | War consumes faster than replacement |
| Captured | Enemy seizing mines or relays |
| Disrupted | Physical destruction of infrastructure |
See: Infiltration & Sabotage
| Entity | Role |
|---|
| The Orders | Priority access; military allocation |
| The Senate | Civilian regulation; commerce |
| The Thirteen | Strategic reserve decisions |
| Mining consortiums | Extraction and processing |
| Alien traders | External sources |
Control of Linkstone means:
- Military capability — Can coordinate or can’t
- Economic power — Currency confidence
- Political leverage — Cut someone off = isolate them
- Strategic advantage — More reserves = more options
If open war comes:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|
| Demand surge | Military needs skyrocket |
| Price spike | Currency value fluctuates |
| Rationing | Civilian communication restricted |
| Priority conflicts | Who gets scarce supply? |
| Strategic targeting | Linkstone infrastructure becomes target |
The Necrosynths have different Linkstone economics:
| Factor | Description |
|---|
| Less need | Reanimated don’t require real-time coordination the same way |
| Disruption strategy | Attack Order Linkstone infrastructure |
| Capture value | Seized Linkstone useful for their networks |
| A thousand years | They’ve been accumulating in deep space |
- Where are the primary Linkstone sources located?
- What do the alien trading species want in exchange?
- How much Linkstone does a single communication use?
- What happens if reserves reach zero?
- Are there alternative technologies being researched?
