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The device was developed by [[Earth Caste]] scientist [[Ka'buto]] through years of studying [[Imperial]] FTL technology and old wreckages of [[Kroot]] [[Warsphere]]s. Once fitted to a space vessel, the module creates a bubble of [[Wikipedia: Anti-Matter|anti-matter]] around the ship and propels it at such a speed that it can pierce the fabric of reality itself.{{Fn|11a}}

However despite Ka'buto's warnings, the [[Ethereal Council]] activated hundreds if not thousands of of AL-38 modules simultaneously at [[Numenar Point]] to begin the [[Fourth Sphere of Expansion]]. The resulting mass use of anti-matter created a tear of reality that swept the Tau fleet away. In the aftermath of the Numenar Point disaster the Ethereals scrapped the entire AL-38 program.{{Fn|11a}}

However decades later it was discovered that the Tau fleet had not been destroyed but instead transported across much of the galaxy, leaving behind a wormhole that would become known as [[Startide Nexus]].{{Fn|11a}}

After the disaster at [[Numenar Point]], all the modules were disassembled and returned to storage at the [[Earth Caste]] facilities. [[Ka'buto]] and his team presumably continued to improve upon the device, however, as they were later used by the [[Fifth Sphere of Expansion]] fleet to help them traverse the [[Startide Nexus]].{{Fn|21b}}

*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition)]] pg**{{Endn|1a}}: pgs.22-23**{{Endn|21b}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (8th Edition)]] pg.24