HOMEWORLD2: INTERSTELLAR ODYSSEY

CHAPTER 1: SHADOWS OF THE ANCIENTS

"Peace is an impressive achievement, but it is not a natural state."

Source unknown

Onboard the Sajuuk Khar, high orbit over Hiigara:

"I don't get it," Kiir Sjet muttered after hearing Yuno's report, "How in Kharak's name did the second fleet arrive with the Gate of Hara non-functional?"

"To be honest, I have no idea," Yuno replied, "I have done some analysis on the Mythra's Timespace Drive, and while its speed and range almost put it in the same league as the Far Jumper, there is no way they could have jumped from outside the Galaxy using such a slow faster-than-light drive."

"We know that the first Mythra fleet was powered down just outside the Northern Galactic Outskirts, which explains why they were able to respond so quickly to the Gate's activation," Eefrit commented, "Perhaps the Mythra are using some sort of FTL gate or catapult to fling their ships to our Galaxy."

"That is a possible theory. But if that were the case, why haven't the Mythra thrown everything at us yet?" Kiir asked doubtfully, "We just fought a galaxy-wide war and are still recovering from our losses. Even a computer should be able to figure out that now would be the best time to strike."

"In the light of Eefrit's words, I think I may be able to come up with a possible explanation," Yuno began, gesturing for the rest to listen to her. Kiir and Eefrit nodded to indicate they were paying attention.

"Thank you. Now I could venture a guess that the Mythra have a FTL system for travel between galaxies, as suggested by Eefrit, rather than my initial conjecture that they used the damaged Gate of Hara via a miracle of some sort. Perhaps it may be possible that the FTL system is inefficient in its use of energy, allowing the Mythra to send only one fleet every now and then."

"If so, then there'd be no way for them to mount a proper offensive," Kiir added, a hint of relief in his voice, "I hope that's what you were trying to mean, Yuno?"

"I'm afraid not, Kiir, though I too hoped that would be the case," Yuno replied sadly, "Remember that the Gate of Hara has been repaired and reactivated as recently as the previous month."

"Oh crap," Eefrit muttered as he realised what Yuno was getting at, "The Mythra sent a scout fleet in to repair the Gate of Hara and salvage the remains of their first fleet. After which, they will…"

"…Use the Gate of Hara to jump in their main forces," Kiir finished, the relief in his voice now replaced by worry.

"Then there's no time to lose," Eefrit exclaimed as he got up and prepared to leave, "I will personally lead the Hiigaran Navy in to destroy the Gate of Hara immediately."

"Perhaps that is best then," Kiir agreed wholeheartedly, "Yuno, there are no Mythra forces in this Galaxy as of now?"

"For now, all Mythra forces have jumped back through the Gate," Yuno reported, "But we don't know for sure when they'll come again."

"Very well then. Eefrit, do what you can. May Sajuuk watch over you."

Eefrit saluted solemnly and walked briskly out of the viewing hall, where the launch party was still taking place.

"Kiir I have to ask you something," Yuno started upon seeing that Kiir and her were alone, "I've been getting rumours lately of some new project that was of you and Kro's devising…"

"I'm afraid that's top secret, Yuno," Kiir replied apologetically, "All I can say is that we need to compensate for the loss of the Sajuuk."

"Would the Horizon II class not be sufficient?"

"The Horizon II just features the new Quantum Phase reactor core as a source of power," Kiir explained, "That along with a few improvements to the ion and pulse cannons. There's nothing else revolutionary about it."

"But judging from the Horizon's performance against the Qwaar Jet…"

"The Qwaar Jet is different from the Mythra in many ways," Kiir reminded, "Remember the time when the Horizon was used in our first encounter with the Mythra?"

"That near defeat was because the Horizon wasn't exactly in tip-top shape…"

"Even if it were, we still need a ship that can somehow come close to substituting the Sajuuk."

"Kiir Sjet, building such a ship will create more political tension in this Galaxy. While our relations with the other Galactic races have been cordial due to the Wrath of the Gods, there has been growing criticism about the Hiigaran Republic trying to act as a superpower in charge of this Galaxy."

"Yuno, this is war," Kiir explained calmly, "Surely you haven't forgotten all the losses and casualties we suffered due to our technological inferiority?"

"But…"

"The project will go on as planned Yuno," Kiir cut her off, "Try to remember that the Mythra are a far greater threat than Kaark and the Qwaar Jet had ever been. To depend solely on Koshiir Ra and substandard technology would be suicide."

Yuno remained silent, but Kiir indeed had a point there. Their victory five years ago had been almost entirely a matter of luck – they had two Gods against Kaark's God, along with the support of the entire Galaxy. While the Neo-Beast forces greatly outnumbered them, the fact that they were still largely based on current Galactic space technology made it possible to defeat them.

The Mythra would be quite a different story. Not only did they have superior technology comparable to that of the Progenitors, but they probably also had superior numbers. If it had been the Mythra they had been fighting rather than the Neo-Beast five years ago, then they would most probably have suffered a terrible defeat.

"Why aren't you two enjoying yourselves, it's a party for goodness' sake!" General Soban walked up to Kiir and Yuno, "It's a good idea to just relax while the peace lasts."

"Quite true, Soban," Yuno agreed brightly, "Though it will be most peculiar for you to be dancing with a hologram."

"Who cares?" Soban replied as he proceeded to "grab" Yuno's hand. Yuno laughed and played along, trying her best to follow Soban's lead as they moved onto the dance floor.

Kiir watched as the crowd stopped to gawk at the sight – a General and a hologram dancing and laughing their way across the hall. He smiled and walked towards the exit.

There was much to be done if peace was to be maintained.

Onboard New Tanis Base, Tanis Ruins:

The engineers went about their work tirelessly. If all went well, the new ship could be launched for tests within a few days' time. However, many of them wondered why the construction had to be done in a place as remote and isolated as Tanis. After all, there was nothing much different about this new ship, except that it was larger than a battlecruiser chassis and featured many never-before-seen devices.

Only Kro Manaan knew why the project had to be completed at Tanis. As Kiir had explained to him months ago, the other Galactic races would not take kindly to the fact that they were building a warship heavier than the awe-inspiring battlecruiser chassis.

In fact, the new Qwaar Jet Cor class, as it had been codenamed, would be the first dreadnaught class vessel to be built in the Galaxy. Its mass and capabilities would easily put it in the same league as the only other dreadnaught class vessel, the Progenitor ship Gatekeeper of Sajuuk.

While the Qwaar Jet Cor class was being built in response to the future threats of the Mythra, it was very possible that the other Galactic races would assume it to be a Hiigaran weapon for dominating the Galaxy. Therefore it was crucial that the prototype Qwaar Jet Cor class was built in absolute secrecy so as not to ruin diplomatic relations and spark off an arms race.

Kro Manaan opened the communications channel on his computer as he observed the massive ship resting in the dock. Since they were running on a tight schedule, Kiir would query him on the ship's progress on a weekly basis.

"Kro, you there?"

"Kiir, I'm receiving you loud and clear," Kro responded, "How're things going back at Hiigara?"

"Sajuuk Khar just launched the first Horizon II class battlecruiser, and they're getting ready to launch two more over the next few days," Kiir replied, "How's the progress with the Eidolon?"

"Eidolon will be ready for testing in about two or three days' time," Kro replied cheerily, "I bet you can't wait to lay your hands on this baby."

"I'd love to, but I've put someone else in charge of the Eidolon," Kiir admitted, "General Soban will be commanding the ship."

"Excellent choice, if I might add," Kro praised, "He's probably one of the craziest captains I've seen around. Eidolon seems to suit that 'outgoing' personality of his."

"Well, since the Eidolon's progressing so well, Soban and I'll come over on the day after tomorrow. Will that be fine?"

"Of course, of course," Kro replied, "It's been a few months since we last talked face to face."

"I'm also looking forward to catching up with you," Kiir chuckled, "See you in two days' time then. Kiir out."

Kro closed the channel and returned his gaze to the monolithic Eidolon. He could almost feel sorry for any ship bold enough to stand up to the Eidolon.

Onboard the Pride of Hiigara, high orbit over Hiigara:

In the past, the original Mothership became an orbital shipyard after fulfilling its task of delivering the colonists to Hiigara. The Pride of Hiigara would have suffered a similar fate, but the construction of the Sajuuk Khar meant that it could continue to serve as a flagship and command centre of the Hiigaran Navy.

Yuno warped into the computer system after the glitzy night over at the Sajuuk Khar. She hadn't expected Soban to be an excellent dancer as well as a soldier. That was probably going to be one of the more unforgettable moments in her life.

She decided to get back to her job of monitoring and processing intelligence updates from scout ships throughout Hiigaran space. Yuno opened the communications log and quickly scanned through the messages within, classifying them according to strategic importance.

Then she came to the last message, whose nature caused her jaws to drop.

It was a message from the Vaygr.

A message asking to establish diplomatic relations.