Proto-core
The proto-core was a small artificial protostar, and an essential part of the protostar drive on  starships. It featured an exotic matter dilithium matrix that was essential to the ship's ability to engage an enhanced form of warp known as proto-warp.

In 2383, the proto-core was temporarily removed from the  by its crew and hidden inside Murf, who was in turn disguised in a reproduction of Zero's containment suit. This rendered the ship's proto-drive inoperable and incapable of warp or proto-warp. ()

Warp