HOMEWORLD2: WRATH OF THE GODS
CHAPTER 1: FIRST MOVE
"Alright, we are clear for weapons testing. Pilot, you have the green."
"Roger that."
Kiir Sjet had been working on the Light Sword project for the past 5 months of his life. It was his most ambitious project since his revolutionary invention of the Sync Jump Algorithm, which synchronised the quantum waveform generation of all ships in a fleet and hence allowed radical increases in hyperspace jump range. Now, he was seeking to replicate the deadly Bentusi Ion Fighter for Hiigaran use. If he succeeded this time, mass drivers would become a thing of the past.
The prototype Acolyte fighter sped silently towards its designated target – an empty frigate shell. All sensors in the region focused their attention on the strike craft, taking readings and detailed analysis of the Acolyte's weapons systems and power generators.
"Target is within range. Shunting power to crystal conduits now!"
"Roger that pilot, you may fire at will."
All eyes aboard Tanis Base watched the great moment. History was about to be made. Suddenly, the frigate was raked by two lethal ion beams that glowed an angry yellow. The hull ruptured in seconds, and the chassis exploded into oblivion. Tanis Base erupted in celebration.
"I don't believe it! Weapons output is at 315, everything else appears normal… what in Kharak's name!"
All attention veered back to the fighter once more. It was now tumbling helplessly through space as the test pilot screamed across all comm frequencies.
"Mayday, mayday, the crystal conduits have begun chain reaction! Request immediate rescue… Somebody… anybody… HEL…"
He didn't have time to finish his last words. Tanis Base watched in silent horror as the Acolyte burst into a blinding flash of light, vaporising completely. As the blast faded into the blackness of space, Kiir sank back in his chair, devastated. The previous two trials had seen the same outcome – the massive ionic energy causing a mysterious chain reaction in the crystal conduits that ultimately led to complete fighter destruction. He felt a pat on his shoulder, and turned around to face General Qwaar.
"Do not be discouraged Kiir. Your progress in space-faring technology has been most invaluable to all of Hiigara, and we appreciate that."
"But… this is the third time. Every time I fail, another life is wasted…"
"Failures are but commonplace in the realm of research. Sacrifices also have to be made. Surely you remember what the Somtaaw went through during their development of the very successful Sentinel unit?"
"… Thank you General."
"Now, I bring orders from Karan herself. She expresses gratitude for your efforts in this field of science, but regrets that you will need to be posted temporarily to another project."
"Another project?"
"Karan's initial survey of the Eye of Aaraan revealed several gates leading to other galaxies. She wishes you to join the Naabal Carrier Exile in its survey of Gate 112A."
"Very well. I shall leave immediately."
"Exile should be arriving at Tanis Base in an hour or so. Take this time to relax, I can see that you're pretty stressed up over the Light Sword project."
"I thank you for your concern, General."
As Kiir retreated to his quarters to do some packing, he felt the fangs of guilt gnawing away inside him.
In high orbit over Hiigara, the Legacy of Kharak drifted silently in space under the protection of the Second Scaffold. Her overhaul completed weeks ago, she was now ready for full-spectrum testing. Deprived of the conscious control of Karan, the Legacy now lay in the hands of Yuno Manaan, a brilliant Manaani scientist who had perished due to cancer, her consciousness uploaded into the Legacy's databanks as its resident AI.
Admiral Eefrit was starting to get impatient. The repair crews were complaining that they had yet to reconfigure the construction bays completely, and that launching now would be inappropriate. Thankfully, Soban was always near to comfort him.
"Eefrit you have to calm down. The repair crews always have the final say, you know that from the academy handbook."
"Soban, this thing has been delayed for 2 weeks already. We're way behind schedule, and I doubt if Karan is going to like this."
"Just stay calm, this isn't good for your health. Besides, this ship I'm sitting in suffered lots of delays before it could relaunch too."
"That's because you're sitting in the Progenitor Dreadnaught! Alright I'll be patient then…"
Captain Soban was now the captain of the Progenitor Dreadnaught Gatekeeper of Sajuuk in recognition of his efforts during the End Time. Arduous research had managed to bring a few more Dreadnaught systems online, including a Progenitor shield system similar to the one used by the Keepers to deflect all weapon damage. However, research was still continuing due to the discovery of what might be the Gatekeeper's Phasing system. Members of the Kiith council had expressed great displeasure at this wastage of resources, arguing that research efforts would be better off somewhere else. However, this was always rebutted by the warrior Kiithid who claimed that the "extraneous technology" would prove useful in times of need.
"Admiral Eefrit, my latest estimates would put a successful launch point 18 hours from now."
"So the repair crews finally get my point. It's about time we put this thing to the stars. Yuno, start running all pre-launch procedures."
"Affirmative. Commencing pre-launch procedures now."
It was then that klaxons started wailing across all decks.
"Admiral, Hiigaran Fleet Command reports that a Turanic Raider fleet has emerged from hyperspace just beyond the Coruc-Tel System. They were stopped by the resident hyperspace inhibitors, but the inhibitor station reports that reinforcements are badly needed."
"Reinforcements? That sounds like one heck of a fleet. Soban, looks like you're needed again."
"I got that," Soban interjected,"I've already received direct orders from Fleet Command to intercept and halt the attack. Sometimes I wish Karan were here to help with that big gun."
"True. Good luck old friend."
"Thanks. Soban out."
Eefrit watched the viewscreens silently as the Gatekeeper slid into hyperspace along with a carrier fleet. This latest attack worried him. The Turanic Raiders had been stepping up their assaults ever since Karan became the Sajuuk Khar. Just a month ago the Raiders were attacking only once a week. Now their assaults were increasing in frequency and severity. At this rate, it would only be a matter of time before a populated world was overrun. Eefrit turned around and sat down in his chair on the bridge. He understood why Karan wanted an overhaul of the old Mothership. Without a mobile support base, there would be no way for the Hiigaran Navy to stand up to the Turanic Raiders if they launched an all-out attack. For too long had they been dependent on Sajuuk for protection.
He needed this ship mobile now.
"Welcome aboard the Exile. I am Commander Hyll and it is my honour to have the distinguished scientist Kiir Sjet on board."
"You flatter me Commander."
"The First Officer will show you to your quarters. I regret the absence of certain luxuries as this is a military vessel. However, I will see to it that your stay is a pleasant one. Now if you will excuse me, I have matters on the bridge that await my attention."
"Thank you Commander."
As Kiir walked down the metallic corridors of the carrier, he wondered what mysteries would exist beyond that gate. Yet, he still could not put the test failure behind him. Those screams would be etched in his mind for perhaps the rest of his life.
"Helm, set a course for Gate 112A. The Gate is 215 light years beyond our individual maximum jump ranges, so give the order for the Fleet to synchronise hyperdrives."
"Roger Commander. Attention all ships, activate Sync Jump Algorithms and prepare for hyperspace. Beaming coordinates now."
As the carrier bustled with activity in preparation for the synchronised jump, Kiir thanked the First Officer and retreated to the privacy of his room. It was exactly as the Commander had described – basic amenities only. There was an attempt at luxury with the presence of a hand-carved wooden table, along with an artist's impression of Sajuuk. Running his hand along the sides of the table, Kiir took out his science notes and sat down to work on his theories. He remembered fondly his days as a student at the Hiigaran Institute of Space Sciences. He had studied the various works describing hyperspace physics with the goal of becoming a specialist in the theories of hyperspace. Kiir had based his assumptions and calculations on the foundation of these theories, formulating the equations and variables that eventually led to the creation of the Sync Jump Algorithm, which propelled him from student to full-fledged scientist.
This was still not enough. He still maintained a great interest in the Progenitor race, wondering how they had mastered hyperspace to the extent of creating the Far Jumpers. Surely such a secret would not be known to the ancients alone? Surely he could somehow solve the mysteries that left the greatest of Hiigaran scientists stumped? He was also determined to unlock the secrets of the Bentusi, who had access to almost unlimited power and combined it all in the sleek designs of their trade ships.
Kiir stopped writing as the screams echoed in his mind once more. He put down his pen and lay down on the cramped military-style bed. A good rest would solve everything, he thought. As Kiir's eyes closed, he heard the countdown announcement echoing through the massive ship.
"Synchronised Hyperspace Jump in minus 10 seconds…"