[ She's about to practically pounce upon the chance to examine the Star Shard, because holy cow, what an interesting research project that would be--

Until his last statement, and she kind of locks up. In an instant she realizes the horrifying implications behind it, and when she speaks again, her voice is strained. ]

It's not just the barrier preventing interplanetary travel? Oh my god. That must have been the missing variable in our calculations all along. I can't believe-- could it have worked if we'd known? Oh my god. I.

[ She cuts herself off after that, floored by the revelation. ]