School work's been rather heavy of late, so I must apologise for the slow uploading of chapters here. Due to the website omitting key characters from the work, I have been forced to spend time correcting those omissions.
I will continue updating until the story is complete. If you cannot wait, I would suggest you visit the Relicnews forums at http/forums. where I upload new chapters immediately without correction.
Thanks for all the support anyway:)
HOMEWORLD2: WRATH OF THE GODS
CHAPTER 26: HORIZON
"It was and still is a wonder even today when one looks back through time. The discovery of the Third Core catapulted the Kharakians' technology millennia ahead, enabling them to achieve long range spaceflight in a relatively short timeframe."
"There have been other theories that suggest an ingenuity among the Hiigaran people that other galactic races lack. After all, had the Third Core been found by a different civilisation, it is generally believed that such a radical leap would never have taken place."
Taiidani Historical Archives
Onboard Experimental Hiigaran Battlecruiser Horizon, the Great Wastelands:
The group walked onto the bridge, and the officers stood smartly to salute the guests. Karan nodded slightly and everyone returned to their tasks. There was so much to be done before they could let the ship move on its own power. Right now, the Horizon was drifting in space, held in place by the shipyard's graviton beams.
"Who's going to be commandeering this test flight?" Eefrit asked, "I'm not sure if anyone in this fleet has the ability to operate all these new technologies."
"Eefrit, don't you think you're asking the obvious?" Yuno sighed, her holographic projection rolling its eyes in disbelief, "There's a reason why Kiir's putting on that neurohelmet right now you know."
Eefrit gave a sheepish look and Yuno's hologram began giggling slightly. Soban and Karan took no notice, their attention completely taken by the various consoles on the bridge. Moments later, Kiir's voice boomed over the intercom system.
"I'm online everyone," Kiir announced, "I guess we can start the testing mission anytime."
Soban walked over to where Kiir was seated. There was a neurohelmet mounted on his head, and his eyes were closed. As Soban approached to get a closer look at the helmet, he was jumped back in fright when Kiir suddenly opened his eyes.
"Gee, I didn't mean to scare you there," Kiir said apologetically, "I made a few modifications to this helmet so I can be online and maintain control of my physical body at the same time."
"You could have at least given a warning or something…" Soban muttered, still recovering from the sudden shock.
"I guess we can go ahead with the test flight now," Kiir began, "Kiir to Elohim, you can release us now."
"Elohim here, disabling shipyard gravitons, you're free to go."
The Horizon shuddered slightly as the Shipyard Naabal released its gravitational hold on the ship. The battlecruiser drifted free as Kiir began manoeuvring the ship away from the shipyard.
"Karan, you might want to take a seat somewhere for the duration of the flight," suggested Kiir, "There's no telling what sort of G-forces we'll be encountering once I bring the fusion drives online."
"Don't worry too much about me," Karan insisted, "I'll be fine. You may engage the fusion drives anytime."
"Alright then. Stand by for main drive testing. Firing main drives in five seconds…"
The seconds ticked by and the Horizon shuddered violently as the fusion drives came online for the first time. Everyone held on for dear life as the gyros struggled to compensate for the stress. An audible sigh of relief echoed through the bridge when everything finally stabilised.
"It took a while, but it seems the gyros have recalibrated for the new drives," Kiir noted, "Things should be more smooth-sailing in future starts."
"I really hope so," Karan replied, "Violent starts such as those are detrimental to ships going into battle, you know."
"It seems that the drives are functioning normally. We have accelerated to maximum speed in seven seconds, and are moving at 140 m/s. In other words, we're just about as fast as a destroyer."
It was a breakthrough that captured the attention of the entire fleet. Both T-MAT and Nalthorans observed the Horizon with great interest as it cruised leisurely through the ship formations. It was certainly moving rather quickly for a battlecruiser-class ship.
Kiir fired off a few thrusters and activated several gyros as the manoeuvring tests began. The battlecruiser performed admirably, swerving with a dexterity which matched even that of the Somtaaw Gospel-class Heavy Dreadnoughts.
Yuno assisted with the test flights, launching several probes from various carriers to form an obstacle course for the Horizon. Had it been a standard battlecruiser tackling the formation, the captain would probably have ordered for the ship to be brought down to quarter speed so as to evade the obstacles. However, the Horizon was able to maintain 70 thrust while navigating the probe maze effortlessly.
"By the Gods of Kharak, this ship steers like a fish," Captain Soban complimented, "Those back-engineered Progenitor fusion drives are really something!"
"Well, you haven't seen anything yet," Kiir responded proudly, "I'm about to begin tests on the Hyperphase Drive."
Yuno wasted no time relaying the orders to the fleet. Ships started moving out of the way as the Horizon moved on into open space. While this was done mainly to remove any risk of collision, another underlying reason was to minimise collateral damage should a catastrophic quantum cascade reaction take place.
Even though it operated on a totally different principle, the Hyperphase Drive was ultimately still a hyperspace system of some sort, making it just as vulnerable to problems faced by hyperspace modules. Furthermore, it was common knowledge that prototype test modules usually ended in such destructive reactions.
"Drive ejection systems are standing by, commencing hyperfield generation in five seconds."
Everyone held their breath as the Hyperphase Drive activated for the first time. There was a slight vibration as the field enveloped the battlecruiser, and they were off. The vibrations quickly dissipated as the Horizon continued to accelerate to speeds unheard of for vessels of its size.
A pulsar gunship swooped in for a closer look at the Horizon, but the pilot quickly realised how difficult it was to catch up. Eventually, the battlecruiser matched speeds with the gunship, leaving the pilot gasping in awe at the sight.
"Transition to inertialess mode complete, we have attained corvette speeds," Kiir announced, "The Hyperphase Drive is operating within normal parameters."
Soban and Eefrit stared in awe as the other capital ships streaked past the viewscreens at an astounding speed. Karan merely smiled in appreciation of this young scientist's breakthroughs.
The rest of the fleet continued to be amazed by the record-breaking Horizon test flight. Even the T-MAT had to admit that the Hiigarans had probably equalled and even surpassed Unbound technology in various areas.
The battlecruiser now streaked away from the fleet into the vast empty void before it. Kiir turned the ship and aimed it at their destination: the medium-sized star Eternia-93. It was a good half light year's distance away and definitely unreachable without hyperspace jumping.
"I presume we are entering the climax of today's test?" Karan asked, her eyes twinkling with an excitement not seen since the discovery of the Khar Toba on Kharak.
"You guessed it, I'm going to test the faster-than-light capability of the Hyperphase Drive," Kiir answered, "Everyone hang on tight!"
The Horizon leapt forward as it began accelerating further, leaving the following gunship far behind.
"Hyperphase Drive power levels increasing, transition to hyperspeed in ten seconds," Kiir muttered as he held his breath. This was it, the final test that would decide whether Horizon would become the first ship in a new line of battlecruisers for the Hiigaran Navy.
The energy levels continued to rise as the ship moved faster and faster. Now it was cruising with the speed of a bomber, and yet it continued to gain speed steadily without any fall in acceleration.
A loud beep from the computers signalled that the minimum energy level had been reached. At the same time, the stars on the viewscreens pulled and stretched into thin lines as the Horizon jumped beyond light speed.
The bridge was gripped by a deathly silence as Kiir checked the sensors to see if they had made it.
"… Hyperphase Drive operating at 60 power, ship is travelling at 6000 c… we made it!" Kiir exclaimed in pure exhilaration. Almost immediately, everyone stood up and applauded, celebrating this new breakthrough in Hiigaran sciences. Even Karan took part in the standing ovation.
Feelings of euphoria swept through him, and Kiir struggled not to let his emotions show as he reported the details of their jump.
"Transition to hyperspeed successful, Horizon is travelling at 6000 times the speed of light. Estimated time to arrival at Eternia-93: 45 minutes," Kiir reported.
It was Kiir's proudest moment.
Onboard Tobari flagship Ascension, the Southern Fringe:
"In the beginning, our ancestors were brutally slaughtered at the hands of the Taiidani. Our homeworld burned but the other galactic powers merely watched, leaving our people to fend for ourselves."
"We were driven all the way to the great Hyperspace Wall of the Southern Fringe, declared impassable by even the Great Bentusi, and it was then that we received Salvation."
"And now, in the name of the Emerald Star, whose light revealed to our ancestors the gateway into this promised land, we will go forth and destroy the descendents of the Taiidani, sparing no one. We will make the races of the Galaxy pay for their cruel abandonment. For our homeworld, for Tobari!"
The fleet frequencies erupted in loud cheering as the General ended his fiery speech. The general took his leave and left the communications room, greeting an aide who was waiting outside.
"That was a marvellous speech you made there, General Tora," the aide commented, "I believe the fleet will be more than happy to succeed in our quest."
"That speech was long overdue, given that we shall be jumping through the Emerald Path in the next hour," Tora replied, "What worries me, however, is the so-called Hiigarans. The fact that they possess the power of the Progenitors means that they are a force to be reckoned with."
"You are worried that they may cause our quest to fail?"
"In the light of their superior technology, it is very possible. But the fact is that they have not managed to apply those Progenitor technologies to every ship in their fleet. As such, it is imperative that we strike early and finish them before they become a threat."
"It should be of little problem," the aide assured, "The fact that two of our twelve fleets were able to cause them much difficulty means that a united strike will send them reeling in fear."
"Indeed. We must not let go of such an opportunity."
Onboard the Merciless, Northern Outer Rim:
"Admiral, we have lost a quarter of the fleet to the Beast infection," came the frantic warnings of the sensors officer, "We still have fighter superiority, but things are looking bad in the capital ship class!"
"Order all capital ships to disengage the Beast frigates and focus fire on the Keepers," Ecron commanded calmly, "If they are using energy shielding to deflect our blasts, then start scanning those shields for frequencies we can use. No matter how advanced they are, those shields are useless once we identify their shield frequencies."
The flagship shook as an infection beam raked across the hull. Moments later, drive plasma erupted from the infected slash and sterilised the area.
"Sir, we have lost power to the strike craft bays, we will be unable to repair fighters coming in to dock," reported another officer.
"Transmit orders to all fighters to dock at alternative carriers. Helm, pull us back. The flagship cannot withstand a direct encounter with those Keepers! Get whatever frigates we have left to cover our retreat."
The order went out and the Imperial Fleet responded. Battle frigates moved forward to present a strong front against the Keepers while the Merciless manoeuvred away from the main battle slowly. However, the Keepers ignored the frigates and rammed through the wall with brute force. They were going straight for the flagship in a bid to cripple the Imperial Fleet's command structure.
Beam after beam of the crimson plague ripped into the flagship, each slash soliciting a desperate eruption of drive plasma from within. The Merciless' hull was now ruptured in many places, leaking drive plasma from various structural breaches. It was evident that they would not last for long.
Just when Ecron believed the battle to be lost, the Keepers' shields seemed to lose their effectiveness. Ion beams and energy blasts now penetrated the shields and wreaked havoc upon the Keepers' hulls.
"Admiral, the fleet has managed to get a lock on the Keeper shield frequencies. All weapons have been recalibrated for maximum effect on the enemy."
"Thank goodness for that," Ecron sighed in relief, "Is there any word from the outpost?"
"We've just re-established communications, and they say things are looking bad. They are being overwhelmed on all fronts by a Beast fleet that outnumbers them three to one."
"The defence forces at Gamma VII equal that of a fully equipped carrier fleet, which means that they are probably up against a mothership strike force. Have they picked up any large mothership-class vessels?"
"As of now, not yet. However, the resident commander says he will not be able to hold the line. Once that inhibitor goes down, the Beast fleet will have a clear path straight to New Taiidan!"
"Then we'll have to hope that the capital system's inhibitors can hold the line while we finish these off and get back there," Ecron muttered as his fleet began mopping up the last of the Keepers, "In the meantime, I'd think it wise for us to send an all-frequency distress call for help."
"Sir, you know that the Council will never approve of such an action," protested the communications officer, "What is the problem of the Imperials will be solved by the Imperials and no one else…"
"I don't give a damn what the Council says!" Ecron yelled, "The thing is that we're in a crisis right now, and Imperial pride will have to take second place to a Beast invasion! Send that distress call or I'll do it myself."
"… Yes sir."
Admiral Ecron looked away as his communications officer sent the distress call. However, he also secretly sent a message back to New Taiidan about the sudden disobedience of the highest-ranking officer in the Imperial forces.
Onboard Imperial inhibitor outpost Gamma VII, Northern Outer Rim:
The commander watched in dismay as his forces were slowly but steadily ripped apart by the influx of Beast ships. What was not torn to pieces was immediately subverted by the multitude of infection beams firing from the escorting Keepers.
As the battle approached the outpost, the space station's defence guns came online. Corvette-sized metal slugs lashed out at the Beast fleet, ripping frigates apart and crippling larger vessels. However, the mass drivers merely bounced harmlessly off the vermillion shields of the Keepers.
It was then that the sensors began warbling loudly. To the horror of the commander, a large mothership-class vessel was emerging from hyperspace. As its yellow hyperspace window closed behind it, the new intruder opened fire in a brilliant display of ionic energy.
The ion beams rained down upon the station, tearing through bulkheads and detaching entire sections. Crews died as their quarters vented to space, while others perished in the high energy ionic blasts.
The commander held onto a handgrip for support, the lights around him failing. A large ion beam aimed directly for the bridge was the last thing he saw.
Onboard the Stargazer, the Great Wastelands:
Queen Dosis had watched the Horizon vanish into hyperspeed, awe-struck by the technological breakthrough of the Hiigarans. It also reminded her of the vast gap between her own race's capabilities and the Hiigarans'.
"Taking part in this war will mean needless sacrifice on your civilisation's part."
The T-MAT's words echoed continually through her mind and thoughts. When the Qwaar Jet had jumped into Nalthoran orbit, their fleet had gone in selflessly to assist the Hiigarans and the T-MAT in battle. Surely they were of help to the Hiigarans, not a liability.
Dosis then remembered the battle debrief by her generals and commanders. Among the three fleets, Nalthoran forces had taken the hardest beating, losing nearly half of the frigate squadrons and a third of the destroyer and cruiser fleets. However, T-MAT and Hiigaran losses had been minimal at best relative to their numbers.
Further debriefing sessions had revealed that T-MAT and Hiigaran armors were far more resilient than Nalthoran protection. While Nalthoran spacecraft continued to use reinforced titanium alloys, the Hiigarans were already using special space titanium armors that contained tough exotic elements and dense neutrons.
Of course, Nalthoran scientists had already discovered the secret of infusing neutrons into armor to increase durability, but they were halted by the prohibitively high costs of the infusion process. Estimates had placed economical production of neutron-based armors several decades into the future.
Then there were the weapons. Nalthoran ion frigates were still using second-generation advanced ion cannons introduced during the Beast wars. While they still packed a punch, they lacked the efficiency and firepower per time capabilities of the newer Hiigaran third-generation ion cannons. Furthermore, Nalthoran vessels were still using capital ship mass drivers where the Hiigarans were using energy pulse weapons.
The royal room doors slid open silently as a general walked in. He saluted smartly as Dosis prepared to brief him.
"I have been informed by the T-MAT of our current tactical situation, and in my opinion, it doesn't look good. They have given us coordinates to the hyperspace gate they built, and suggest that we take every last ship we have and flee."
"My Queen, I suppose the problem is that we are in the Hiigarans' debt," the general replied, "Having saved our race from complete destruction, it would be very ungrateful to flee when they need our firepower."
"Yes indeed," Dosis sighed, "On one hand, I feel compelled to repay our debt by helping the Hiigarans. On the other hand, our fleet is ill-equipped to handle the Neo-Beast."
"Perhaps it might be possible for us to acquire technology from the Hiigarans or the T-MAT?" enquired the general.
"No, it would take too long for us to upgrade our fleet with the new devices they can offer. As things stand now, the next battle with the Neo-Beast could be anytime."
"Then there is only one thing to do. Since it would be folly to follow the Hiigarans into battle with such primitive technology, we would have no choice but to take the T-MAT's advice."
"So you agree with the idea?" Dosis responded, "We flee and leave the Hiigarans and T-MAT to save this Galaxy?"
"The T-MAT are probably the last of the Unbound with the demise of the Bentusi. Given their existence as a sentient race even before our own races' rise to power, I am confident that their technology will make them better allies of the Hiigarans. Furthermore, both Hiigaran and T-MAT fleets are stronger than us in many ways. The absence of our firepower would make little difference."
Queen Dosis sighed and glanced at the viewscreen. She saw the mighty T-MAT mothership, bristling with ion weapons, as well as the legendary vessels Sajuuk and Koshiir Ra. Those three ships alone were probably more of a match for the Neo-Beast fleet than their entire fleet.
She considered the matter solemnly, staring at the viewscreen for what seemed an eternity.
Onboard the Legacy of Kharak, the Great Wastelands:
Yuno's routine of system maintenance and inspection was interrupted when sensors started picking up quantum wave effects. Quickly investigating the sudden phenomenon, Yuno was alarmed to see the Nalthoran ships enter hyperspace one by one. She wasted no time opening a channel with the Stargazer.
"Attention Nalthoran mothership Stargazer, why are you jumping to hyperspace? There isn't a threat of any sort right now!"
The Nalthorans simply ignored her as the colony ships now began jumping into hyperspace. Yuno growled and powered up the hyperspace inhibitors in an attempt to stall the Nalthoran fleet. To her shock, the inhibitor fields were rendered useless as the T-MAT began generating counter fields to nullify them.
"Yuno to T-MAT fleet, what is the meaning of this? Yuno demanded, Why are you letting the Nalthorans flee? You know that we cannot win against the Neo-Beast if we do not join forces!"
"It is regrettable, but a must for the sake of the Nalthorans. You have seen how their ships struggled to protect their home planet, only to fail and take heavy losses in the end. The Nalthorans' technology is far behind that of yours, Hiigarans. To force them to fight against a clearly superior enemy is unfair to them."
"But… but if it's primitive technology you're talking about, we can help them overcome that easily!" Yuno argued, "All we have to do is transmit design specs for newer weapons, better armor…"
"But it would take far too much time, as Queen Dosis herself has realised. If they are to maintain their existence as a sentient species, then the Nalthorans will have to distance themselves from the battle."
Yuno stared helplessly as ship after ship vanished into hyperspace. The Stargazer was the last to go, and as it did, Queen Dosis herself beamed a message to the Legacy.
"Yuno, I thank you and your people for the help rendered at Nalthora. However, my hands are tied in this war. I am sorry."
The jump window closed and the Nalthoran fleet was gone.
Onboard the Horizon, hyperspeed transit:
"… Disengaging hyperspeed in five, four, three, two, one…"
The Horizon vibrated slightly as the stars on the viewscreens reverted to normal and Eternia-93 loomed ahead of them.
"Hyperphase Drive disengaged, all systems nominal. We are currently five light minutes from Eternia-93." Kiir reported.
The bridge filled with applause again as everyone congratulated Kiir on the success of the first hyperspeed jump. Karan went forth to shake Kiir warmly by the hand.
"Congratulations Kiir on a job well done," Karan beamed, "I am sure that this is a sign of greater things yet to come."
"Thank you very much, Karan," Kiir replied, removing his neurohelmet so he could thank Karan better, "I couldn't have done this without you as a role model during all these years."
As Kiir and Karan burst into conversation, Eefrit and Soban continued to gaze at the brilliant star before them.
"Soban, do you remember our conversation back in Hiigaran orbit?" Eefrit asked, turning to face his long-time friend.
"You mean the one about our race being cursed and all?"
"Well, I think that it doesn't really matter what misfortune we've been through as Hiigarans," Eefrit reflected, "After seeing what Kiir was able to do, I'm beginning to believe that this nightmare, not matter how terrible, will have an end."
"I'm encouraged as well," Soban replied, "We just have to make sure that the Neo-Beast threat is dealt with once and for all."
The two friends smiled at each other and gazed back at the star, energised by the new hope Kiir had given them. Suddenly, the communications channels burst into life.
"This is the Imperial flagship Merciless calling any ships in range. Imperial territory is under massive attack by Beast forces. They are attempting to break through and subvert everything before them. We cannot stop them from reaching New Taiidan. We will be grateful for any assistance!"
Kiir looked at Karan expectantly, awaiting her response to this abrupt and surprising distress call. She was about to give an order when the channels erupted in activity again.
"Karan Sjet, are you there?"
"I'm here Yuno, speak away."
"The Nalthorans have just fled with assistance from the T-MAT. The T-MAT's reasons are that their technology is inadequate to handle the Neo-Beast, and that sending them into battle will result in their destruction. I need you to talk with the T-MAT and make them understand that we need all the help we can get to win this war!"
"The Nalthorans fled?"
"Yes, but if you give the order we can jump the fleet in pursuit. We have a lock on their quantum signatures and can extrapolate their target destination without trouble."
"You know, Yuno, the T-MAT are right about this."
"Pardon?"
"We may have saved the Nalthorans, but forcing them to fight alongside our fleet in repayment is not fair for them. I understand that Queen Dosis probably jumped out in an act of self-preservation."
"But we can't just let them go like this!"
"Yuno, calm down, we have another pressing matter right now. We just received a long range distress call from the Imperials, and it seems that they are the Neo-Beast's next target. I'll need you to jump the fleet straight to New Taiidan as soon as you are ready. We'll meet up with you later."
"New Taiidan? You understand we're still enemies even though we have intentions of allying with them…"
"I doubt they'll take action against us with the Qwaar Jet up their noses. Just try to jump as soon as possible, we'll head there ourselves first."
"Roger that, just stay safe."
"I am perfectly confident about Kiir's abilities on that, Yuno." Karan reassured.
"Right then, Yuno out."
Karan closed the channel and looked at Kiir.
"Just as well, Karan, I was about to test the prototype Far Jumper," Kiir grinned.
"Then let's test it right now."
"No problem. All hands, stand by for hyperspace test!"
Kiir opened the circuits and sent pure energy flooding into the prototype Hyperspace Core. It was smaller than the original Far Jumper so that it would fit onboard a battlecruiser chassis, but not compromise on its ability to far jump.
The shimmering blue window of hyperspace opened before the Horizon, engulfing the ship in a matter of moments and sending the battlecruiser straight for New Taiidan.
As Karan noted with satisfaction the fact that they were moving along at 10 million times the speed of light, about as fast as the original Core, Kiir tightened his fist in anger.
"Those Neo-Beast scum… they will pay dearly for their crimes…" he muttered under his breath.