If the plot absolutely needs nano-scale fabrication, then that's what handwavium's for. Having cool tech for the sake of having tends to be a bit...like a Bad Star Trek episode . I doubt this story would've been as interesting if the Highway Star had more cool gizmos fitted to it, like a fully ceramic engine or something. Technology isn't the plot in itself, it just enables the plot.... even if that's as simple as allowing Jet to hug Ford proper tightly for the first time.
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--m(^0^)m-- Wot, no sig?
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--m(^0^)m-- Wot, no sig?