Ok, so the EP universe has fusion technology. Does it have any other form of nucleosynthesis technology? When you fusion atoms, you create a smaller number of more complex atoms. 4 hydrogen atoms become 1 helium atom in basic fusion, and then helium fusions up to lithium, then beryllium, etc. (BTW, beryllium is a true wonder metal, being extremely light ans extremely strong, it's an ideal building material especially for space except for the minor issue that it's as toxic as an Ann Coulter book. But I'm sure that EP's tech could find a way to scoat it or otherwise neutralize it's toxicity to organic lifeforms, or just use it on the outside of a structure where it won't get into the life support areas.) It takes more powerful fusion reactions to produce higher elements, with less energy gained per step up the periodic table. At Iron, you have to start adding in extra energy, easily obtained from other low level fusion reactors. With this tech, you have pretty much everything you need if you have hydrogen in EP. You fusion hydrogen to produce power and basic elements, then use nanotech to assemple those elements into anything. The hydrogen age...