StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Alrighty, this is my first ever posted fanfic. Feedback is welcome, but I ask the reader not to be too hard on me. As a big fan of the Homeworld universe, I've decided to make my fanfic accordingly. It focuses on the crew of a Hiigaran warship about twelve years before Homeworld2, during the long and perilous "Dust Wars". For those big HW2 players out there, if I get some technical specs wrong, I am open to changes. However, there is a bit of "creative licence" taken, and there are a pletora of non-canon designs, alongside the familiar Hiigaran destroyer (the Gaar-Balhi) and Vaygr designs (used for the Taiidan).
With that out of the way, please enjoy!
- Ra

GULF OF WHISPERS
A Homeworld Fanfiction
By Jonathan D. McKenzie, aka "Ra"

Introduction -

The Dust Wars have plagued the Hiigarans for nearly a century. Ever since our return to the Homeworld, the Imperialists; the supporters of Riestieu IV's regime and sworn enemy of the "Exiles", have splintered off or outright conquered fringe Taiidani worlds. Alongside their mercenary allies, the Turanic Raiders, the Imperialists have brought great hardship to Hiigara and the Taiidani Republic. The Return also brought with it the collapse of the Galactic Council. Despite many offensives and attempts at ending the war, Hiigara has been unable to end the hostilities. The population is tired of the war, although the truth is that the Imperials are determined to continue until one side or the other is gone. To the Imperials, peace is no option. There is only war...

Chapter One - "Urgency"

Jeraal System - Outskirts of Hiigaran Space

It was early aboard the Hiigaran destroyer Gaar-Balhi. Commander Valery Soban was quietly walking down the vessel’s main corridor, on her way to the XO’s office. The empty corridor; a bland stretch of gunmetal gray bulkheads and panels, were eerily quiet, the low hum of life support fans and various machinery providing the only reprieve from total silence. The Gaar-Balhi was en route to Jeraal VI on patrol, guarding the outer fringes of Hiigaran space from attack by the rogue Taiidan Imperials and their Turanic Raider allies.
Commander Soban was a veteran of the generations-long Dust Wars, and a cunning tactician. Born as a member of Kiith Kaalel, Valery Took the Red at age 17, becoming a member of Kiith Soban, the honorable “Kiith of Spirit”. Her Sobani discipline, on top of Hiigaran military training, turned her into a prized officer and earned her command of one of Hiigara's great warships. Valery Soban had risen to command of a true capital ship much sooner than her peers, most of whom were still commanding Torpedo Frigates in System Defense fleets.
Soban reached the end of the office, where her XO, Lieutenant Commander Isaac Nabaal, stood with a small device. He had already known she was coming, such a routine occurred each day.
“Captain,” he greeted.
“XO. I trust you’ve got the personnel transfers I requested?”
Nabaal handed her the small card. “And two personnel commendations. I’ve been keeping an eye on Petty Officer Li Paktu. I’m recommending him for promotion to Chief.”
“Yes, he shows promise. He's gotten recommendations from five other line officers, has he? I’ll look over that, Commander.”
“When you have time,” he finished wryly. “I’m scheduling a drill for the engineering crew at 0930, if that is acceptable.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Soban replied. “Just make sure to specify it’s a drill this time.”
Nabaal nodded grudgingly. He had left out that small detail on his last engineering drill, incurring the wrath of not only his Captain, but the entire crew as well. The disciplined Sobani had little patience for such mistakes, a fact she made clear with the piercing stare of her hazel eyes.
“Aye, Captain.”
Soban then softened her gaze for a split second, and looked over the list Nabaal had provided, adjusting her uniform’s collar as she did. A moment passed until the buzz of the intercom interrupted her.
“Captain please report to the bridge. Urgent.”
Wasting no time, Soban exited the office and headed for the bridge, two levels above. A hurried pace brought her to the nearest flight of stairs. Of course, there was a lift, but for such a short distance, there was no point.
“Up ladder, make way.”
A crewman moved to the side as she went up.
The Gaar-Balhi’s bridge was buzzing with activity as crewmembers and officers addressed the situation at hand. The large blast doors opened, and Commander Soban walked in.
“Captain on the bridge,” a crewman announced.
“As you were. Officer of the watch, report.”
The Officer of the Watch, Sublieutenant Amanda Kavar, walked over to the holoprojector at the bridge's center. “Captain, we’re reading a distress call. It’s on a Taiidani Republic channel,” Kavar reported. “Their transponder reads a governmental courier ship.” A promising young officer, Kavar was a member of a small, dying kiith. She had joined the Hiigaran Navy and thrown her entire effort into it after her family freighter was destroyed at the hands of the Turanic Raiders. She was certainly one of Soban's favorite officers, and had the potential to become a captain herself one day.
“Play it.”
Kavar nodded at the communications chief.
This is the Republic courier Zephon. We are under attack from Imperialist for--s. To any allie- ships in t-- area. This -- the courier Zephon requesting assistance! Our signals -re be— j-m--d. Ca----
“Lost the signal,” the communications chief stated.
“What’s their position?” Soban demanded.
Kavar checked a monitor. “The Miiarak system, seven lightyears away. Hyperspace module is at full power.”
"Sound general quarters, and prepare for an emergency jump."
“Aye, Captain.” Kavar then faced the engineering tech. He nodded, and began working his console. Kavar then pressed the intercom key.
"General quarters, general quarters. All hands man your battle stations. This is no drill. Secure all systems for emergency jump."
Crewmembers lept from bunks, mess hall tables, and idle conversation at the announcement and the buzz of the alert klaxon. Lieutenant Commander Nabaal, who was still doing the morning's paperwork, rose from his desk and headed for the bridge.
The bridge lights had dimmed to crimson. Soban watched a monitor as ship systems were secured.
"All systems secure, quantum-waveform initiated," a crewman announced.
Commander Soban took a moment to glance out the bridge windows as the hyperspace module began to screech to life. Her body began to feel lighter, a feeling years of interstellar battles had made her accustomed to. A square, blue window into hyperspace opened ahead of the sleek destroyer, and swallowed her from bow to stern.

Miiarak System - Nomaeran Frontier

Aboard the Taiidani Republic courier ship Zephon, General Kalan Evret watched in concern as three Imperial missile frigates continued to give chase. The light courier ship had managed to outrun them, but had taken heavy damage in the process. Trailing the frigates was a gravwell generator, and old but potent technology that made an escape through hyperspace impossible. It had pulled the Zephon into this trap, and prevented her escape. Major Parsan, his adjutant, was manning the civilian-grade sensor system. He looked up in concern.
“More ships inbound. Looks like Gamma-class Turanic Raider frigates. ETA in seventy seconds.”
“Can we get any more out of these damn engines, Pilot?”
“Nope,” the civilian replied. “If I push them any more, they’ll blow up.”
“That's better than dying in a barrage of Imperial missiles!” he replied sarchastically.
The pilot nodded, and pushed the courier’s engines to 115 percent. A noticeable strain in the engines signaled the fact.
Major Parsan looked almost pale until he read his console further, causing him to light up. “Hyperspace contact, bearing zero-one-five mark two-one-four. Range, fifty klicks. Signature’s Hiigaran!”

The Gaar-Balhi’s Captain spun around, walking to the central holoprojector, where the group of contacts blipped in the air. A single contact was friendly.
“What can you make of it?”
“Looks like a Taiidani strike force, Captain,” the sensor operator, Senior Chief Byron Somtaaw, stated. “Three missile frigates backed up by gunships and a gravwell generator. Three additional Turanic Raider frigates are closing fast.”
“Intercept course, flank speed.”
Kavar turned to the helmsman.
“Helm, make your course three-two-zero mark five-seven. Ahead flank.”
“Three-two-zero mark five-seven, aye,” he echoed.
“Ready all weapons and plot a firing solution,” Soban continued. She then eyed a single blip intently. “Target the lead Raider frigate.”
“Target acquired, Captain,” Commander Nabaal announced.
“Fire torpedoes.”
Ascending up at the formation like a great killer whale, The Gaar-Balhi fired a spread of torpedoes at the Raider frigate, which exploded violently against its hull. The bulky gray vessel began to spin out of control.
“Target main batteries. Finish them off.”
The destroyer then opened up with her guns as well as torpedoes, destroying the lead Raider frigate in a cloud of fire and debris. The courier took the opportunity, and wove between the two remaining ships, which sluggishly began to turn. The lack of coordination between Raider and Imperial commanders proved their undoing, as several Imperial gunships collided with the Raider ships, destroying the small escorts instantly. A chaotic gaggle of machines collided, with Turanic vessels sheering the sides of Taiidan frigates. However, the Imperial commander was quick to respond, maneuvering his three frigates out of the vortex and increasing to full speed.
“Let’s give the courier some room to escape. Swing us around, helm. Nabaal, target the closest Imperial frigate.”
The massive Hiigaran warship swung around to present her broadside to the Taiidani ships, bringing all four of her guns to bear. The Imperial frigates answered by pelting her with lethal missile volleys. The razor-like Gaar-Balhi returned fire, obliterating a frigate with a single salvo. Even with the missiles pounding her, the warship didn’t let up. Soon, the Imperial frigates were reduced to space debris.
“Destroy that gravwell generator, and signal the Republic ship to prepare for hyperspace,” Soban ordered.
“Location, Captain?”
Soban took a quick look at the local starchart. “There’s a nebula very close to here, about three lightyears out.”

The gravwell generator’s crew read the quantum-wave signatures of both ships as they charged. The gravity well was activated, stranding the remaining escort gunships in a swirling torrent created by the field. The Gaar-Balhi returned the favor with a cannonade to the vessel’s vulnerable generator module. It shattered, causing the entire vessel to explode into a micro-singularity, which itself evaporated moments later.
The Imperial gunships foolhardily continued their attack, and were picked off with gunfire as the vessel prepared to jump.
Soban watched as the last gunship was about to die when a new set of contacts appeared.
“Multiple Imperial bandits inbound,” Somtaaw announced. “Gravwell generator detected.”
“They’re determined to hold us here,” Soban muttered. “Composition, Senior Chief.”
“Looks like a flotilla of frigates, including four infiltrator types. They’re being backed up by a destroyer and a full strike craft wing,” Somtaaw continued.
“They want to play dirty,” Kavar noted.
“The courier can’t have many soldiers aboard,” Soban noted. “And they are the target. We’re simply in their way.”
Nabaal looked Soban in the eye.
“Captain, we are no match for a full Imperial flotilla. It would be best if we withdraw.”
“Withdraw to where, Commander Nabaal? With the gravwell generators, we can’t escape to hyperspace. It would take decades to fly to the next system.”
“We can get out of range. You obviously know this class can outrun an Imperial frigate.”
“Technically, you’re right. But what happens when the Taiidani bombers fly up and blast our engines? We’ll be good as dead, XO. Our best chance is to take out that gravwell generator and make our escape. Comm, signal the Republic ship using phased telemetry. Don’t say more than you have to.”
Nabaal became more adamant. “Captain! This is suicide.”
“I’ve made my decision, Commander. Now take your post.”
Nabaal snapped to attention, and walked off to his place.
“We’ve signaled the courier, Captain,” Kavar noted.
“Excellent. Give the order.”
Kavar nodded, and walked to the helmsman, examining the holodisplay. “Set course four-four mark nine. Ahead flank.”
“Four-four mark nine, aye. Engines to full,” the helmsman acknowledged.

General Evret saw the Gaar-Balhi’s cluster of engines ignite, and turned to his civilian pilot. Follow them. I want us in their sensor shadow.”
“That such a good idea?”
“Do as I say.”
The pilot worked his console, bringing the small ship into a vector several meters off the destroyer’s starboard side. Evret looked to the ship outside.
“Hope you know what you’re doing, Hiigaran.”

“The ship’s moving into our sensor shadow,” Kavar reported. “Enemy ships ten thousand klicks and closing.”
Soban nodded slightly, and turned to her XO. “Prepare to fire. We’re only going to have one shot at this.”
“Aye, Captain,” Nabaal replied. He then turned to the fire control crew. “Arm main batteries for suppressive fire. Fire torpedoes on the main generator, just as before. Lock firing solution and stand by.”

Commodore Takor Hasari, the Imperial commander in charge of capturing the Republic ambassador, chuckled under his breath as the Hiigaran starship charged for his lines.
“What are you doing? I’ve never seen an Exile to be so... foolhardy.”
“Commodore, the Hiigaran vessel is entering missile range,” a crewman reported.
“Prepare a full salvo. What of the Heretic ship?”
“It’s disappeared off our sensors, sir.”
Hasari turned to the crewman with a look of shock.
“You fool. This entire operation was a diversion! You let them escape. Get out of my sight!”
The crewman walked off, right into the grip of soldiers that drug him to the brig.
“Give me a competent crewman this time, Captain.”
The destroyer’s captain nodded submissively. “As you wish, sir.”
The Captain pointed to an ensign, who took the post.
“Hiigaran vessel will enter firing range in ten seconds,” she advised.

Commander Soban continued to watch the crimson formation of dots draw closer on the main holodisplay. Glancing back to the bridge windows, she also saw what appeared to be faint lights in the distance.
“In range, Captain,” Nabaal announced.
“All batteries, fire at will.”
“Fire at will.”
Fire controllers worked their consoles. The Gaar-Balhi opened fire from her powerful mass driver batteries, piercing Imperial hulls with terrifying force. A hail of gunfire came from Assault Frigates and gunships, which mostly bounced off the armor, as said ships were designed for anti-fighter duty. However, the missile frigates then opened fire, pulverizing the destroyer’s bow.
A missile frigate was blown in half by one of the Gaar-Balhi’s cannonades, crewmen and machinery blasted into space as the ship tore in half. Another was hit in the bridge tower, killing her command crew and effectively crippling the starship.
“In torpedo range,” a crewman announced.
Soban allowed herself a smirk.
“Fire.”
The destroyer unleashed two huge torpedoes, which soared inexorably towards the gravwell generator.

Hasari watched in anger as the white trails moved closer and closer to his gravwell ship. Even the gravity distortion field they produced could not stop the anti-capital ship torpedoes, which exploded in a luminous thermonuclear blast, ripping the weak generator module to shreds. A gravwell collapse and large explosion followed. The Gaar-Balhi, now at full combat speed, was too fast for the sluggish Taiidani missiles to accurately hit. Many missiles simply flew into space, harming no one.
“Fire! Fire at will!” he shouted.

Soban watched as the gravwell ship disintegrated, and turned to her Officer of the Watch. “Engage hyperdrive, Lieutenant.”
Kavar smiled. “Aye, Captain. Helm, set course for the nebula, and engage hyperdrive.”

Hasari’s destroyer lurched around, and began firing missiles at its Hiigaran nemesis. As the salvo closed with the ship’s vulnerable fusion drive cluster, a bright blue light engulfed the vessel’s bow. A hyperspace window closed over the Triumphant-class destroyer’s hull, swallowing up its engines just as the missiles arrived. They passed through the window harmlessly.
Hasari was enraged at the sight, but his hate only grew as he saw a second hyperspace jump window close.
“They were in the Exiles’ sensor wake!”
“Small enough to risk such a tactic,” the female ensign commented. She knew that a trip to the brig would probably come next, but could care less.
Hasari simply scowled at her. “Where did they jump, Ensign?”
“The Gulf of Whispers, sir. A nebula three lightyears away.”
“Are they insane? Plot our own jump.”
“Aye, sir.”
“You understand that one of our ships are crippled?” the Captain inquired.
“And I care - why?”
“Of course, sir.”

Outskirts - The Gulf of Whispers

Elation filled the bridge of the Gaar-Balhi as she exited hyperspace on the edge of a vast orange and yellow nebula. The nebula - a column of dust and gas some ten lightyears tall and about four wide, was one of many nebulae to be found in the vast Shining Hinterlands region.
Lieutenant Commander Nabaal looked at his Captain in respect. “I doubted you, Captain. I should have...”
Soban held up her hand. “I didn’t trust myself, XO. It was one hell of a risk,” she added with a smirk. Soban then turned to the bridge crew. “Alright, we’re not out of this yet. We’re going into this nebula to hide from Imperial forces. We can’t signal the fleet, because the enemy could trace that and find us in a heartbeat. Obviously, we can’t pull that stunt off again.”
Kavar looked over. “Orders?”
“Drop engines to one quarter, silent running.”
Kavar looked to the helmsman. “Decrease speed to one quarter, full emission controls.”
“Decreasing speed to point two-five,” the helmsman echoed. “Field masking is on.”
“At this rate, it’ll take awhile to navigate the nebula,” Soban noted. “And an active signal can still pick us up.”
"It's the best we can do for now," Nabaal conceded.
“ETA to nebula, twenty minutes.”
“Very well. XO, I want you to coordinate hull repair efforts.”
“Aye, Captain. Lucky for us we got extra supplies and spares before this mission.”
The communications chief looked up.
“Captain, the Zephon is signaling us.”
“Let’s hear it.”
The Chief adjusted frequencies, and received the transmission.
Hiigaran vessel. This is the Taiidani Republic courier Zephon. You have our sincere thanks.
“Do you have wounded?”
Several minor injuries. Our own medics are addressing them now. However, we’ve sustained engine damage. Can one of your engineering teams assist?
“We’re in bad shape ourselves, Zephon. Heavy hull damage to the starboard bow. However, I’ll see what I can do.”
We’re transporting an envoy to Hiigara, Ambassador Garav Holurii. He would like to meet your command staff in person.
“Very well, Zephon. You may dock at your discretion.”

At the Gaar-Balhi’s starboard airlock, General Evret and Ambassador Holurii walked up to the ship’s entourage, led by Commander Soban. The woman, with her short brown hair and hazel eyes, managed to be the center of attention, despite being flanked by a much taller man, obviously the XO. Holurii kissed her forehead, the traditional Taiidani greeting.
“Captain, I’d like to personally thank you and your crew for coming to our aid,” Holurii began. “Your timely arrival saved us.”
Soban gestured for the Taiidani to follow her. “So, Ambassador. Were you en route to Hiigara?”
“Yes. That’s why I wish to speak with you. The Imperials are beginning to realize they cannot defeat Hiigara on military terms.”
“Glad to see they finally got some common sense,” Soban replied wryly.
“I wouldn’t agree,” Holurii noted. “The Imperials have been digging around in the Great Wastelands, and it doesn’t look good.”
“The Great Wastelands? That's a little unusual.”
“Not when you see what a spy ship picked up.”
The entourage gathered into the Gaar-Balhi’s staff room, and took seats. Soban was understandably confused.
“Do go on, Ambassador.”
Major Parsan took out a holographic device, and set it on the table, sliding it to Soban. A huge, monolithic structure was displayed.
“This is a schematic we’ve made of a large space derelict in the middle of the Great Wastelands, codenamed "TANIS" by the Imperials. It's the largest space structure we've ever seen, even larger than the Karos wreckage.”
Soban’s blood went cold. “How large is it?”
“Many kilometers tall, at the very least.”
“More specifically,” General Evret added, “we believe it's a relic of the so-called Progenitor civilization. I assume you're not an archaeological expert?”
“No, General.”
“We believe the Imperials are planning to use this Tanis derelict and its technology as a new base to regain their strength. The entire operation is highly secret, and we don't want the Imperials knowing we're onto them.”
"Well, considering how many ships are after us, I'd say they know."
Holurii spoke up. "They believe we're smuggling intelligence regarding a new offensive on the Gozan sector. The Republic does have interests in taking their stronghold there out, but it is also covering up the real objective."
“How do they know they can even control the derelict?” Nabaal pondered.
Sobani sat back in her chair. “Oh, they'll figure it out.”
“Whatever the case,” Holurii continued, “We must get this information back to the Hiigaran Daiamid. What course are we taking?”
“As you know, we can’t risk a transmission. We would be asking for the Imperials to return and take us out. I’ve ordered the ship on a course through the local nebula, and-”
General Evret broke out laughing. “Have you lost your mind, Hiigaran? That nebula is completely uncharted. Only the gods know what’s in there.”
“Ah, yes. Don’t your people call it the “Gulf of Whispers?”
“Yes,” Holurii replied.
“Aren’t there rumors of ‘ghosts’ and even remnants of the Beast in the nebula?” Kavar nearly joked.
“A lot of folklore surrounds the nebula. Including the fact that there may be dangerous stellar phenomena inside.”
“Well, it also separates Hiigaran space from the Nomaerans, but that still doesn't make it more dangerous than flying around it while Imperial cruisers reduce us to slag,” Soban continued.
“I’m not taking my ship into that nebula, Captain,” Evret protested.
“General, with all due respect, this is the best way. It’s also the shortest. Would you rather travel through a nebula and stumble upon a few space wrecks or Nomaeran bases, or would you like that Imperial flotilla on your ass the entire time you fly around it? It goes without saying that the Imperials will call in reinforcements, probably including a carrier. We have adequate point-defense guns, but we can’t fight off an entire carrier wing. Especially one with attack bombers. The nebula will obscure sensors, and make locating us close to impossible.”
Evret looked the young Captain in the eye, pondering the situation. Was he giving into superstition? That would be most uncharacteristic of him. But few ships returned from that nebula, and he felt it was a rational fear. What he didn't tell her was the story of how a Republic science ship came back from the nebula with tales of horrible aliens with remarkable technology that were able to defeat any ship that they deemed a threat. Nevertheless, she was right. The nebula was the lesser risk of the two, and he could guide her around the "red sectors", as Republic Intelligence called them. He sighed, and sat back in his chair.
“Take us through, Sobani. But if you fail, both our worlds will be in grave danger.”
“Thank you.”
The group took a moment to exchange courtesies, then the Taiidani parted company, returning to the Zephon. It undocked from the Hiigaran destroyer, and the two vessels continued into the murky dust clouds of the Gulf, the clouds finally obscuring their sleek forms entirely...

Yes!!! Homeworld fic I have been wanting one of these!!! And it sounds great although is not Tanis where the new mothership was built? Keep it up, I want to hear of this Sobanii! Now we need a cross-over.

Kartr_Kana wrote:Yes!!! Homeworld fic I have been wanting one of these!!! And it sounds great although is not Tanis where the new mothership was built? Keep it up, I want to hear of this Sobanii! Now we need a cross-over.

Yes, Tanis was the berth used to build the Pride of Hiigara. I had just wondered, "OK. Where did this thing come from?", so I had it made as an Imperial discovery. I also wondered about the Progenitors in general. I mean, discovery of some alien "mother race" would have significant implications on a society, especially since it A: meant the Hiigarans, Taiidan, Bentusi, etc. are all from a common ancestor, thus putting racial tensions into question; and B: puts the God concept into more question. Obviously an advanced scientific society would have athiests, not the universal religion the game manual suggests. The Hiigarans do, however, have a really rich religious culture revolving around Sajuuk, their version of God. Of course, in HW2 when their "God" proves to be a Progenitor with a big starship, I expect mass-conversion to athiesm and a lot of temple-sacking followed.
The Progenitor discoveries, covered up by the Navy, will have personal implications on Cmdr Soba, who is religious, but who also sees that her religon leaves too many unanswered questions. I won't spoil the rest, though!
And, to your liking, I had a crossover planned as well!
- Ra

Thank you Ra!!! Now I have to go play that game again!!! I am looking forward to reading the next chapter in this and the crossover when ever you get to that. Say it could be another garden of kadesh which has anomaly that allows for the crossover.

Oh, sorry I messed that up. The crossover is going to come in the second fanfic, after this is finished. GoW is strictly a Homeworld fanfic. However, some wierd shit is going to be in the nebula, the reason General Evret went apeshit. He knew something the Hiigarans didn't. It isn't just the Nomaerans (a Taiidan-splinter nation) and a few bases, to clarify further.
- Ra

I figured that this was not going to be a cross-over. Still you mentioned that you would do one.

am looking forward to reading the next chapter in this and the crossover when ever you get to that.

Emphasis mine.
I fucked up, didn't see that. . I suppose that's what happens when you stay up all night editing! Anyway, Chapter Two is on the way.
- Ra

Ra, I tip my cap at thee. This was really a nice opener, promises a lot of good story ahead. I can easily imagine, as they are going slow, the whole story could take place just within the Nebula. And I'm sure you have thought about all the things that are going to happen to them before they get though. Also this brings up a really nice link between the events in HW and HW2, with the discovery of TANIS and the first hints of the Progenators.

Thank you! And yes, most of the story will take place in the nebula, although some events will also take place elsewhere. So, read on, because here is:

Chapter Two - "Division"

Situation Report 1.01 - Commander Valery Soban
Our journey through the Miiarak Sector nebula has thusfar been uneventful. No further Imperialist signatures have been picked up, and our hull and system repairs are mostly complete. On a strange note, the astrogation officer aboard the Zephon has been feeding us some very strange instructions. We have plotted a course through the Gulf that is neither quick nor direct. It loops completely around two entire grids, and requires significant vertical deviation. But, one must remember that the Republicans have probed this nebula. We have not.
Analysis of the Tanis Derelict, as provided by Abassador Holurii, is simple enough. It’s a gigantic structure in the middle of deep space, apparently an outpost or starbase of some kind. And with such a structure in the hands of the Imperials, this may well tip the balance of power in their favor. We have no clue of the technology at Tanis, and it may well provide the Imperials with new weaponry we cannot counter. Our current objective is to cross the nebula and hyperspace directly to Hiigaran territory. The problem is that if we jumped back to the Jeraal System, the Imperials would have pinned us down again, as we need almost a day to recharge the hyperspace module. Thankfully, our course takes us to a natural void in the nebula. It will take eight days on our current course and speed to reach it.

Gulf of Whispers - Day 2

The Gaar-Balhi and her charge were now in the murky depths of the Gulf of Whispers, a great haze of nebular gas now enveloping the vessels and reducing visibility close to nil. Commander Soban was in her Captain’s office, examining a series of images taken of the Tanis Derelict. It was mostly boring, but there was several unanswered questions in Soban’s mind. Who were the Progenitors? The sheer scale at which the Progenitors built their structures didn’t bother her. However, the existence of the race did. Why hadn’t Soban even heard of them until now? According to a database search, the few public sightings of similar wreckage was ususally attributed to relics of the ancient Hiigaran Empire, a fallacy at best considering that the old empire’s technology was less advanced than the current incarnation. Indeed, the Gaar-Balhi was about the size of an ancient Hiigaran battleship, and far more maneuverable.
A tap sounded on Soban’s door.
“Captain, Sublieutenant Kavar requests permission to enter.”
The Captain put her datapad down, and looked to the door. “Come in.”
Kavar walked in sporting a small box of data chips, which she set down.
“Damage control reports all hull repairs are complete, Captain.”
“Very good. How has Engineering’s structural test come?”
“We’ll hold out fine until we can reach base. The repair crews did a splendid job.”
Soban nodded. Kavar noticed her distraction.
“Is something wrong, Captain?”
“It’s this derelict. Evret said it’s a product of the ‘Progenitor’ civilization.”
“I’m confused as well, Captain. May I see the data?”
Soban handed her the datapad.
“It’s about three times as tall as the old Mothership. And much longer. Easy to notice all those ships surrounding it.”
“I find it interesting that the Imperials discovered such a structure before we did.”
“So do I.”
“About what Holurii mentioned. If the Imperials knew the location of their new base was compromised, they would commit a much larger force to the search.”
“No, I think he’s coving something up. You see the ships in that image? Not a normal-sized capture fleet. In fact, most of those vessels...”
“Are Raider ships,” Kavar finished.
“Whoever has the derelict is a very small faction, probably Fralon or Tikiir. A faction that wants to keep the derelict not only a secret from us, but from the stronger Imperialist factions as well.”
“I think I’ll look over the onboard faction database, Captain.”
“Excellent idea,” Soban agreed. “Is there something else?”
“Captain, about this derelict. Do you agree this could be a major discovery... for the galaxy as a whole? I personally think we need to capture this relic and have the archaeologists look over it.”
“I agree. Studying the derelict may allow us to find out more about our own ancient history, as well as the Progenitor race.”
“Do you think we should use it as a base, like the Imperials are?”
Soban shook her head. “It’s an ancient structure of unknown purpose. Best to leave Tanis as it is.”
“I brought that up because...”
“That’s what the Admiralty will want. I know.”
“I’d better return to the repair team. May I be dismissed, Captain?”
“Yes. I’m heading to the bridge.”
Kavar went to attention, and left the office. Before leaving herself, Commander Soban pondered the situation. It was certainly unwise to use the ancient relic as a naval base, as Kavar had suggested, but that was obviously going to be the agenda that the Admiralty would push forth. In her experience, no amount of good advice would stop the Admiralty from doing as they saw fit. Although not as experienced as Captain Gabriel Manaan, the famed battlecruiser skipper, Soban had seen Navy bureaucrats in action. Action that more often than not got good people killed.
Valery Soban was one of the younger destroyer captains in the Hiigaran Navy, in her mid thirties. Born to Kiith Kaalel, Valery was a typical child in most ways, showing early sighs of high intelligence as well. Growing up in a broken home, Valery had little chance to make use of it. As a teenager, Valery was rebellious and always sought a way to claw her way to the top. The method she used was sometimes irrelevant. At the age of seventeen, Valery decided to seek a better future under the banner of Kiith Soban, renouncing all ties to her Kiith of birth. Her friends and relatives were universally dismayed, and claimed she was rebelling from her Kiith. However, then, as now, once Valery made her mind, no one unmade it.
After Taking the Red, the ceremony where a Sobani initiate must reject thier Kiith by ripping its colors from their body, formally taking a Sobani robe, the training was very difficult. Valery spent nearly a year under the instruction of the Soban, learning their ways as well as martial arts and other fighting skills the Sobani were famous for. Her mentors also hammered a doctrine of discipline and loyalty into Valery, something that would never leave her. The young, arrogant girl that had joined left a confident and highly trained Sobani, catching her estranged father and former friends by surprise. It was with Kiith Soban that Valery found a home and true purpose.
Taking her newfound discipline and skills with her, Soban applied for the Hiigaran Naval Academy, and was subsequently accepted. After graduation, Ensign Soban got her first posting aboard a transport ship. Her initiative and command skills saw her rapidly promoted to Sublieutenant - and reposted to a frigate on the front lines, where her abilities were in high demand. Promoted to full Lieutenant, Soban got posted aboard the frigate Akko as Executive Officer. As Lieutenant Commander, Soban became Captain of the frigate. In that posting, Soban and her crew participated in several convoy escort missions, often clashing with the Turanic Raiders. Remaining aboard until her promotion to Commander, Soban was then granted command of the Gaar-Balhi. This was her ninth month as the vessel’s Captain, most of those spent supporting fleet actions against the Imperialist Taiidan in the Shining Hinterlands. Valery liked to think she was handling the current crisis well.

Also lurking on the outer fringes of the nebula was Commodore Hasari, aboard his own destroyer. A Turanic Raider carrier and its escorting force of frigates and missile corvettes now flanked his vessel, along with several of Hasari’s own missile frigates. On the bridge, a group of suited Raiders marched up to the Imperial warlord.
“What’s the mission, Commodore?” one Raider’s respirator-grated voice demanded.
“You know why I called you here. The Heretics have information on our new base in the Great Wastelands, and the Exiles are helping them. Destroy them, and you will be substantially rewarded.”
“Define substantial,” the mercenary snapped.
“Ten billion Imperial credits.”
The Raider snickered. “Comes out to about three billion Hiigaran. I see you have quite a bit to lose. You have a deal.”
“If Tanis is revealed, every warlord and Hiigaran battle fleet will converge there, and scatter her atoms across the Outer Limb. It would be the largest melee since the Third Battle of Coruc-Tel.”
“You don’t need to explain. I’ll do as you ask. What’s their location?”
Hasari gestured to the large map display.
“Thanks to some leaks in the Heretic government, I have a map of what little bit of the Gulf they have charted. These red grids are considered off-limits, due to space debris and other phenomena. The Envoy will likely take this route, going between some of the more dangerous areas,” Hasari explained, moving his finger between two “Red Sectors”. “Their likely goal is the large clearing called Kashar’s Inlet. There, they will escape to hyperspace. I have a full squadron guarding the Inlet, and fighter squadrons patroling the route.”
“Looks like you’ve planned this all out. What if the Hiigarans go through here?” The Raider gestured a path right through one of the Red Sectors, which would not only avoid Hasari’s patrols but also save time.
“They won’t. The Heretics will feed them full of tales of powerful aliens and evil specters.”
“Vey well. We’ll mine the main access point - here.” The Raider pointed to a narrow area between two sectors. “We’ll also set up ambush parties in this pocket of asteroids.”
“Excellent. Now, return to your ships.”
The Raiders departed. Entering their ships, the lead Raider turned to another. “Prepare a two squadrons and a frigate to enter that restricted zone.”
“Consider it done.”

On the Gaar-Balhi’s bridge, Soban was overseeing a diagnostic when Senior Chief Somtaaw interrupted.
“I have a faint sensor echo, bearing two-six-two mark five-three.”
“Any sign they are scanning us?”
“Negative... wait. Picking up scans. EM aspect change. Target has changed vector, and is coming our way.”
“General quarters.”
Kavar hit the intercom, and sounded the alert. Lights dimmed to crimson once again.
“Comm, signal the Zephon. Inform them to evade at once. Inbound contacts.”
The communications chief opened the frequency. “Zephon, Gaar-Balhi. You have incoming bandits. Prepare for evasive action.”
We copy, Gaar-Balhi. But we haven’t picked up anything.
“That’s because you don’t have a military sensor package,” Soban muttered. “Evasive course, Lieutenant.”
“Helm, change course to one-seven mark eight-zero. Maintain speed.”
“One-seven mark eight-zero, aye,” the helmsman echoed.
The Gaar-Balhi turned slightly to port and descended rapidly, with the diminutive Zephon following closely.
General Evret entered the ship’s cabin.
“We’ve been discovered already?”
Parsan nodded. “Looks that way, sir.”
“How could they have discovered our route?”
Parsan had no answer.

Out of the dust and gas of the Gulf emerged not one ship, but a flight of four Taiidani bombers. The sleek fighters watched their prey like falcons, spotting and observing the Zephon before the attack.
The Taiidani flight leader looked over his sensor data, and called out to his other fighters. “Target has been located. Looks like the Commodore was right. Helldiver, you have point.”
“Copy that lead.”
“Can we get a signal back to the carrier?” a wingman asked.
“No. Keep channels clear as ordered. We are weapons free, people. Commence attack.”
At that, the bombers broke off and darted at their target.

“Multiple sensor contacts!” Somtaaw exclaimed. “Taiidani D-Type bombers. They’re making a run at the Zephon!”
“Arm all defense batteries.”
“Aye, Captain,” Nabaal replied. “Arm point defense systems and stand by.” Fire control crews worked their consoles, and Somtaaw kept a close eye on his console.
“Comm, signal the Zephon. Incoming bombers. Pull up into our defensive range.”

Evret looked up in amusement. “We just sit there under their defense guns? Those bombers will have us in one pass!”
“We should still do as they say, General,” Parsan noted. “Our agility will allow us to keep the Gaar-Balhi between us and those fighters, unless they break fomation.”
Evret shook his head in amazement, pondering how many more people were going to agree with Commander Soban.
“Alright. Pilot, bring us alongside the Hiigarans.”

“That destroyer’s gonna be trouble,” Helldiver commented.
“Just keep loose and spread out once we’re there,” the leader replied.
“Got ‘em on scanners, Boss.”
“Copy. Target vessel entering range... break an engage!”
The Imperial bomb trucks rolled toward the Zephon, lobbing fusion bombs at her. Most of the shots were at her engines, tearing into the Zephon with a vengeance.

Soban watched the chaos unfold as the Zephon was attempting to close with her escort.
“All ships are breaking formation and reforming at random,” Somtaaw reported.
“Fire at will.”
The fighters wisely avoided the Gaar-Balhi and her fast-tracking defense guns. Nonetheless, one strayed too close and was torn to shreds by the destroyer’s defensive fire.
“Keep away from that destroyer!” the leader yelled.
“Can’t sir. The target’s in her guns now.”
“Then we’ll just do it the hard way. Regroup and hit their engines.”

“One down. The other three are staying just out of range,” Kavar reported.
“They’re coming about. At us!” Somtaaw alerted.
The bridge shuddered slightly as several bombs hit the hull. However, it wasn’t even enough to shake anyone off balance.
“Return fire,” Soban ordered.
The Gaar-Balhi fired furiously, destroying two easily. The leader was one of them.
“Another bomber flight inbound!” Somtaaw exclaimed.
“They must have been working together. For all we know, an entire squadron is out here.”
The remaining bomber fired at the Zephon, blasting her hull to shreds.
“Zephon is urgently calling for aid. They have a hull breach,” the comm Chief stated.
“Bring it down,” Nabaal commanded.
Repeated defense fire streamed at the bomber, which jinked back and forth. Inevitably, the guns brought her down in a bright explosion. The Zephon’s engines had been completely knocked out, with the courier spinning out of control.
The new flight of bombers kept behind the Gaar-Balhi. Despite evading, the slower destroyer couldn’t keep her engines out of their field of fire. A heavy bombardment followed, shattering the vessel’s engine cluster. She began to trail burning plasma, only making her easier to track. Fire from the ship’s aft defense gun damaged one bomber, which trailed smoke.
A shrill alarm sounded.
“Number two engine is down!” the helmsman yelled. Three and five are also critical!”
“Damn it,” Soban cursed. “I want those bombers down. Now!”
“Fire thrusters, bring us to two-seven zero!” Kavar ordered.
“Two-seven-zero, aye.”
Using her thrusters, the destroyer turned to starboard, bringing the full brunt of her defense guns on the bombers, which were still swivling around for their next pass. The guns fired, destroying two ships in rapid succession. The other two swooped overhead after bombing one of the main guns, only to be destroyed themselves.
“That’s that,” Nabaal muttered.
Soban rubbed her face. “Damage report.”
“Looks like our engines are in bad shape. As the helmsman said, nuber two is down, three and five critical. We can’t manage even half speed like this,” Kavar noted. “Damage to the topside turret and moderate hull damage to the starboard side and engineering section.”
“The Zephon?”
“They’ve lost their main engines, and are drifting,” Somtaaw reported.
“Comm, contact Zephon.”
“Channel open, Captain,” the Chief replied. “They’re calling for urgent medical assistance.”
“Tell them to get over here on thrusters.”
“Aye. Zephon, Gaar-Balhi. Dock on thrusters. We’ll provide medical assistance.”
“Sickbay, bridge. Prepare to receive casualties,” Kavar ordered. She then looked to Commander Soban, who was staring out the windows in deep though. She noticed the Officer of the Watch, and looked her in the eye.
“This has gone far enough. Fire engines long enough to get us on course Bravo.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Once the Zephon has docked, carry it out. I don’t care what Evret says.”
At that, Soban stormed off the bridge.
"Just when we get things fixed..."

Hiigaran 9th Fleet, Koziir System

The Hiigaran carrier Eheb-San was in a high orbit of Koziir II, an aquatic world orbiting that system’s weak yellow star. Vice Admrial Aaron Paktu, commander of Battle Group Eheb-San, was overlooking activities in the carrier’s CIC. His aging features betrayed a look of anxiety that he hadn’t felt in several years. The carrier’s CO, Captain Harold LiirHra, walked up.
“You wished to see me, Admiral?”
“I think we have a slight problem on our hands,” Paktu said slowly. “We haven’t heard from the Gaar-Balhi in two days.”
“Valery Soban’s ship?”
“Yes. We haven’t heard from her in two days. That’s not how she does things. Even in a warzone my captains manage to report back.”
“The Raiders are moving like crazy in this sector, and now this.”
“There’s more.” Paktu gestured to a young officer. “This is Lieutenant Ferriil, from Fleet Intelligence. Black ops, Omicron-level security clearance... the works.”
The young man stepped forward.
“Yes, Admiral. At approximately the same time that Gaar-Balhi failed to contact the fleet, we also got word from our counterparts in the Taiidani Republic that a special envoy was ambushed en route to the Homeworld. We believe the ambush site was in the Miiarak System, not far from the destroyer’s patrol area.”
“That sounds like her. Anything else from your ‘sources’?”
“Just that neither ship has been seen since.”
“I want a detachment to check the system,” Paktu ordered.
“With all due respect, Admiral, that’s on the edge of Nomaeran Space. If they see our warships in their territory, it would have serious repercussions.”
“I don’t care about the Nomaerans and their damn peacemongering government, Captain. They sure don’t seem to mind Imperial ships violating their space. Send the Second Flotilla to investigate. I want a marine frigate to accompany them as well, in case the ship’s been captured or otherwise incapacitated.”
“Admiral, perhaps this would be best handled by my people...” Ferriil added.
“Soban hates FI types, son. She’d probably blow one of your Banshee frigates straight to hell.”
The young officer looked betrayed. At that, Paktu simply chuckled under his breath.
“Deploy the fleet, Harold.”
Moments later, ten frigates entered hyperspace in search of their missing comrades.
In one of the carrier’s many corridors, Ferriil walked over to what appeared to be a lowly enlisted technician. She was repairing a wall circuit junction until he showed up.
“He went ahead with it anyway,” Ferriil whispered. “What do you suggest?”
“We still proceed according to plan. Whether or not this Sobani would destroy any of our ships, the information the envoy has is invaluable. Report back to me at 1945.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
With that, the two operatives departed company.

Gulf of Whispers - Red Sector Three

The Gaar-Balhi and Zephon were now moving much deeper into the nebula, cruising with engines off. Repairs to the Zephon were not looking as promised, as the ship was barely operational. Her own vessel’s engines had been ravaged by the bomber attack earlier in the day, barely surviving intact. In fact, Gaar-Balhi’s number two engine, the one farthest to starboard, was all but lost. The once pristine destroyer was now dotted with scorch marks, hull damage, and bare armor were repairs had been made. The Zephon looked far worse, with entire sections of hull vaporized by the bomber attack.
Sublieutenant Kavar was in command of the bridge at the moment, coordinating the damage control teams and repair drones in their efforts to patch up the Hiigaran warship. As external repairs were also being made on the Zephon, several of her crewmembers and passengers now visited the larger vessel, at least the sections that didn’t require a security clearance to visit.
One of those places was the bridge itself. The Zephon’s pilot walked up to the bridge doors, only to be stopped by a marine.
“I’m sorry, this area’s restricted.”
“I need to talk to whoever’s in charge of this boat. It’s important.”
The marine reached over to his communicator.
“Bridge?”
Kavar went to the communications panel.
“Bridge, aye.”
“One of the Taiidan want to speak with the Captain.”
“She’s busy at the moment. What’s the problem?”
“I’d prefer to say it in private,” the pilot remarked.
“Right. Ensign LiirHra, take the bridge for the moment.”
“Aye, Lieutenant,” he replied.
Kavar went outside, where the Taiidani pilot stood. She walked down the corridor with him.
“So, what’s the problem?”
“General Evret isn’t willing to admit this. But the Zephon is in far worse shape than anyone realizes. Not only are her engines down, the hyperdrive module is gone. I tried to repair it myself, but the thing took some heavy damage. We’ll have to ditch before you can get us to Hiigara.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Our courier is barely large enough to even power a hyperspace core, so it’s mounted on an exterior module. When the bombers attacked, that’s precisely where they hit. It isn’t repairable.”
“Does the envoy know of this?”
“No.”
“You must tell him. I’ll inform the Captain once she returns to the bridge.”
“Thanks.”
“Anything else?”
“Just something about Evret. Last time I saw him, he looked very angry.”

“What the hell are you doing, Hiigaran?” Evret growled. “I had us on a specific course to avoid the more dangerous parts of the nebula, and you overrule me! You don’t even have a fucking clue what’s out here!”
Soban didn’t budge. “I have a fucking clue that the Imperials know where we’re going, and what course we’ve been taking, General. Don’t you even get it? The entire time we’ve been out here, the Imperials have been patroling the very corridor we were in. Put the dueces together. The warlord trying to kill us has the same map you do.”
“Nonsense. That data is classified.”
“That doesn’t mean jack. You think classified means anything in the Taiidani Republic?”
“You’re evading my point. You’re putting us all in danger and are too shortsighted to realize it!”
“Danger from what? An asteroid belt? I’m keeping trying to lose an Imperial squadron! What are you so afraid of?”
Evret sighed, realizing he couldn't keep the "secret" any longer. “Alright. I assume I have no choice.”
“Oh?”
“About fifty years ago, a science expedition explored the Gulf becuase of its resource potential. To sum it up, they found an alien species in the nebula. It attacked the expedition with horrifying force. Out of the expedition, one science ship made it back. Barely.”
“You know what this threat is?”
“No. All I do know is that ourselves and the Nomaerans avoid the nebula at all costs. That’s... why I would have rather taken my chances with the Imperials.”
Soban sat back in her chair, worry building on her brow.
“General, why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“It’s not even common knowledge in the Republic, Captain. I’m only one of two people on the Zephon that have the clearance. You think I’d be advertising this to a foreign national?”
“Read: ally that rescued you.”
“Yes. But you do understand.”
“Of course. Politics is politics. Now. Tell me everything you can.”

Red Sector Four

The Turanic Raiders had pulled off their secret move to cut off the Gaar-Balhi. A squadron of missile corvettes swooped through the murky nebula, moving toward an imposing derelict. The large space hulk was all that remained of a old Taiidani attack cruiser.
“It’s a Republic ship,” the flight leader commented on observing the white and blue livery on the wreck. “Make a good hiding spot when the Exiles show up.”
“Copy. I’ll take the engine cavity.”
The corvettes began to circle the wreck and take positions when the lead ship caught something on scanners.
“Bogey inbound heading three-one-five mark one-zero. It’s them.”
The corvettes sped back up to full power, moving to intercept the vessel.
“Something’s wrong,” one of the gunners commented. “That’s too fast for a Hiigaran destroyer. Especially one trying to hide.”
“Oh, you’re hallucinating,” the leader sniped. “She’s coming in range now. Target their engines and then call in our friends.”
“Got it.”
The gunner’s fears were confirmed when a smooth, organic-shaped vessel emerged from the mist. It was somewhat smaller than the Gaar-Balhi, and had a slightly arrowhead-shapped profile with a very long, knife-like bow. What was even more strange, the vessel had no visible fusion drives.
“Gods of Turan, what is that!”
Without hesitation, the vessel unleased a horrifying barrage of beam fire, destroying the corvettes in one pass. The vessel slowly banked away, and vanished into the mist...

ooOOoooo. Damn Ra, Now I'm REALLY curious what you have in mind with this. Love the descriptions of battle, and the visuals your giving, this is going to be one ramshackle Destroyer before this is all done...

Suggestion.

Since this site doesn't auto-format, try putting a space between your paragraphs. Makes it easier to read-- instead of huge chunks of text, you get a few lines at a time, so it's not so bad.

Oh, and looks good, even though I never played...

Thanks. Thing is, I'm kinda used to the novel format. I'll put spaces in the future.
- Ra

Ra wrote:Thanks. Thing is, I'm kinda used to the novel format. I'll put spaces in the future.
- Ra

Yeah, it's not a huge deal, just makes it a little easier to read is all. No worries.

This is great Ra!!! I think it is really funny though that every story in the Homeworld series has a nebula that contains an enemy that every body else fears but the Hiigarans do not. I have a nitpick, why are the Imperials using Vagyr ships? Should they not be using Tidanii ships?

Kartr_Kana wrote:This is great Ra!!! I think it is really funny though that every story in the Homeworld series has a nebula that contains an enemy that every body else fears but the Hiigarans do not.

Thats the HW Galaxy for you! 60% mysterious Nebula
I don't mind, can't wait for more.

I was not complaining just noting a funny aspect of the series. Yeah I cannot wait for more. So I started playing the games again.

Sorry if I ran into an idea that's been done to death, I was kind of trying to find a place for the Gaar to hide from the Imperials with and attempting to raise "dramatic tension". That appears to have failed.
I used Vaygr ships for the Taiidani because the HW2 manual says the Imperials united with the Vaygr.

HW2 Manual wrote:Contact with the remnants of the Taiidan Imperial Fleet revealed a common purpose. Under the Vaygr banner, they have been moving inexorably closer to Hiigara.

Look at the family resemblance.

Taiidani assault frigate


Vaygr assault frigate

The Vaygr prefered fighters and corvettes in their "blitzkrieg"-style of warfare. Apparently they had few if any capships before the Taiidani alliance. Most of their ships look Taiidani, save the cruiser, flagship, and others. Anyway, the Taiidan do have unique strike craft (bomber, interceptor, etc), and the Zephon courier ship is an all-new design. Couldn't use the original designs anyway because it was from like a century or more ago.
- Ra

Sorry if I ran into an idea that's been done to death

I am not complaining and I understand the why I was just noting an interesting coincedence.

Ah I understand the reason for the use of vaygr ships now. and the similaritys are striking. I am looking forward to the next chapter!!

That alien ship sounds almost like a MonCal except it has no visible engines.

I understand. I'll try and make a drawing of the alien ship and post it. I haven't decided what the aliens look like themselves, just that they aren't quite humanoid. Yeah, the ship does sound kinda like the MonCal designs, but it'll obviously be a lot smaller, seeing how it's smaller than the Hiigaran destroyer. There's also a wierd aspect of the aliens' ships that plays a role in Chapter Three, but I have a no-spoiler policy!
- Ra

How do you know that the Hiigaran destroyers are smaller then MonCal warships?

Because if you have the HW2 mod "StarWars WarLords" you can play with all the StarWars ships and Hiigarin ships... Which I've done. a Destroyer is about 1/2 the length of a MonCal

Did they scale properly? Where can I get that mod?

All information can be found here
http://warlords.swrebellion.com

Thanks!!

Thanks from me as well, because I'd been scrambling to prepare an estimate! The Liberty's about two miles long, correct?
- Ra