Vex Xiang: Kelvinase is a highly toxic compound rarely found within the atomosphere of a planet, as it reacts dangerously with carbon. There are only five sectors in Federation space which contain these particles, the most dense of which are in this nebula. Considering kelvinase reacts with both heat and most solid alloys, it would explain the rapid decay of the hull of the vessel. Indeed, decay would be a more plausable explanation for the external damage, as there is no indication of weapons fire. This vessel is being consumed by the nebula. It is also interesting to note that kelvinase reacts adversely with heat. Heat, at low temperatures, can destabalize kelvinase and cause it to disintegrate. Run for the Shuttle Ask Morrow about the Creature