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Ra wrote: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.

So there are genuine aliens in the Homeworld universe, not just races descended from the Progenitators (i.e. us). I always wondered about that.

Junghalli wrote:So there are genuine aliens in the Homeworld universe, not just races descended from the Progenitators (i.e. us). I always wondered about that.

I believe the Turanic Raiders need a "liquid membrane" thingy to live. Besides them, I don't know of any canon aliens in the HW-verse. Of course, these nebula aliens are something I made up, because I did think there needed to be aliens out there, not just the Progie descendants. I haven't even named the race yet, actually.
Anyway, I'll try and get Chapter Three done by the end of the week.
- Ra

In this article they seem to imply "aliens". +http://www.well-of-souls.com/homeworld/ ... istory.htm

Ra wrote:I believe the Turanic Raiders need a "liquid membrane" thingy to live. Besides them, I don't know of any canon aliens in the HW-verse.

I think whoever built the Naggarrok (the ship The Beast originally came on) probably wasn't descended from the Progenitators. It's supposedly a millions years old and from another galaxy.

Ra I did a quick scale job with Homeworld, used the mother ship to calculate the length of a carrier as it was launched. Carrier was ~6km long by my calcs. And destroyers are not much smaller, so I think that they are a little bit longer then MonCals.

Thanks for all the input, people. I'll try and post some drawings of the ships featured soon, including the alien cruiser. I took some over Elheru Aran's advice, and will put spaces between paragraphs. Scene changes will be indicated thusly:
* * *
- Ra

Now, with no further delay, is:

Chapter Three - "Haze"

Gulf of Whispers - Red Sector Four

The Gaar-Balhi’s sick bay was a scene of chaos, littered with wounded and dying Taiidani crewmembers. Doctors and Corpsmen worked frantically to save the most critically injured, with the Taiidani medics trying to make up the difference. The stench of burns and open wounds filled the air, and the cries of the injured were only muffled by the screamed orders of medical personnel. Watching this ghastly spectacle was General Evret, who had decided to stay with his injured crewmembers.

The bomber attack had penetrated the Zephon’s hull, ripping five crewmembers into space and injuring many more before all was said and done. Out of thirty crewmembers, nearly half were injured. As the Hiigaran medical staff struggled to save a crewman horribly injured in the battle, Commander Soban entered. She was troubled by the sight, even after seeing similar events during her time as Captain of the Akko.

General Evret grabbed her attention, and she walked over.
“General?”
“How many medics are aboard this ship?”
“Two doctors, four nurses, and a squad of Corpsmen.”
“Many of these people need surgery.”
“I apologize, General, but we’re not a medical ship. The Corpsmen will have to do their best with their combat triage skills. How many of your crew didn’t make it?”
“Six. Five were lost in the hull breach and another man was about to go with them, and collided with the blast door. It was just as bad as having his guts exploding.”
Soban looked down, then tried to start the conversation again. She had to do her job without Evret thinking she didn’t care. “How is your ship?”
“Once we fix the hull breaches and the engines, I expect we can get back underway.”
“That’ll take awhile. Our own engines are heavily damaged.”
“Tragic,” Evret mocked.
“Look! You want to get out of this nebula or what?” Soban snapped.

Evret started to reply when the Doctor started yelling frantically. Soban walked toward him. Moving closer to the operating area, Soban could smell the pungent odor of burnt flesh, opened bodies, and blood. She tried to breathe as little as possible.

“Doctor?”
“He’s gone into a coma. Even with the Taiidani medics, we just can’t operate on five people at once!” the Doctor fussed as he worked, not even looking at her. “Stabilize his...”
“I’m losing him.”
“Shit. Captain, with all due respect, I’d appreciate you staying out of the way.”
“Of course,” Soban replied. The sight of the dying man disturbed her thoroughly. He was missing an eye and bleeding from the mouth, in addition to having his innards opened for surgery.
Soban walked back to Evret, who was still sitting quietly.
“Satisfied, Captain?”

Soban had enough of Evret's insanity. “General, let me give you some advice.”

“You? Advice? What could that be?”
“Shut up. It’s the best thing you can do right now! People are in here dying, and all you care about is yourself and your little grudge match with me! I came in here to see if you were alright. I see that was a mistake.”

Soban spun around, and started to leave. Evret didn’t try and stop her. She stopped long enough to look at the Doctor, who gave her a sad look.

“You did what you could, Doctor.”

He nodded quietly, and went on to another patient. Evret quietly stared Soban down, malice and hate flooding his heart.

A hand touched Soban's shoulder. “Captain?”
She turned around to see Kavar.
“You have something, Lieutenant?”
“I’d like to speak with you alone.”
“Alright. I need to get out of this damn place anyway.”

Soban walked down the corridor with her Officer of the Watch, and was also joined by Commander Nabaal. The noise of the sick bay was replaced by the peaceful hum of the ship's machinery.

“I got word from the Zephon’s pilot, regarding the ship’s condition.”
“What else could be wrong with her?”
“The Hyperspace core. It’s non-repairable.The core was destroyed during the attack, apparently the bombers targeted it directly.”
“In other words, they’re screwed,” Nabaal added. “Our entire mission is in vain if we can’t get Holurii to Hiigara.”
“We’ll have to assign them quarters. XO, see to it.”
“Aye, Captain.”
“How are we going to get Evret to abandon ship?” inquired Kavar.
“Evret got everyone under the impression that he’s in charge. But I’m going to talk it over with Holurii himself. I’m sure he’ll understand.”
“Unless Evret’s been whispering in his ear,” Nabaal murmured.
“Right...”
“There something wrong, Captain?”
“One of the crewmembers just died.”
“Another one?”
“Yes.”
“We have to find a way out of here. Even if the Imperials don’t kill us, Evret is going to go off sooner or later,” Kavar warned.
“Lieutenant, I intend to get us out of here no matter what it takes. What’s the condition of our core?”
“Perfectly fuctunal, Captain. Most of our damage was to the engines and hull.”
“I want those engines fully repaired by day’s end. That will be all.”

* * *
Commodore Hasari was deep in thought as he stared blankly at a holodisplay. All of his fighters had reported in except for two flights, which had never returned. The bridge was much less orderly than a Hiigaran one, decades of living on the edge eroding Imperial discipline to near-Raider levels.

“Where were those bombers the last time they reported in?”
The ensign brought up their position on the display.
“Right there, sir. On the course you specified.”
“This obviously means something. A destroyer is vulnerable to a bomber attack, but they have excellent defense weaponry as well. Could the bombers have been shot down?”
“It would take a crack fire control crew,” the destroyer captain indicated.
“We are dealing with a crack crew, Captain. I’ve known that since they rescued the Heretics.”
“Well, sir, it is possible. Just not probable.”
“Get me the Raider carrier.”
“Aye, Commodore.”
The Captain gestured to his communications crewman, who dialed in the frequency.
“Channel open, sir. The Raider captain is standing by.”
“Send ships to the coordinates I specify. I don’t just want fighters this time. Send a full raid force.”
We’ll take them down, Commodore. Rest assured.
“You seem a little worried.”
Have you lost any ships?
“Yes. That’s why we’re sending you.”
We lost a corvette squadron ourselves.
“Position?”
Corridor... C.
“That’s a bit far away. Could they be moving that fast?”
Unknown. But we’ll get your Heretic.
“That’s all I ask, Hasari out.”
The Captain looked over.
“He’s hiding something.”
“Only trying to cover up the fact that he sent ships into the Red Sectors, probably lost them to a singularity or astreroid storm. It’s very embarrassing for a Raider to lose ships to natural phenomena.”
“Sir, do you think there may be something else here besides black holes? Ancient Imperial documents indicate that a Tobar warlord sent his ships here, never to return. The Tobar and Raiders have long been rivals.”
“If the Tobar are still hiding here after half a millenium, they will be destroyed. I won’t let that scum stand between us and that envoy.”
“Understood, sir.”

* * *
Miiarak System

A group of hyperspace windows opened on the edge of the Miiarak System, revealing a small squadron of Hiigaran frigates. Leading the small squadron was Commodore Taal S’jet, an experienced commander and trusted advisor to Admiral Paktu. His flagship was an ion cannon frigate, the Teman.

“Picking up significant debris nearby, Commodore,” the Teman’s sensor operator, Chief Rokas Kaalel, announced. “Most of it matches Taiidani construction.”
“Most?”
“Some of it’s Turanic Raider wreckage, Commodore.”
“Move us closer to the battle site.”

The frigate captain looked to the helmsman. “Helm, make your course seven-two mark one-one, half ahead. Comm, transmit those orders to the other ships.”
“Seven-two mark one-one, aye. Engines half ahead.”
“Fleet signaled, Captain,” the female communications operator responded.
The Captain glanced at the holodisplay, a smaller version of the one the Gaar-Balhi had. “The squadron is underway, Commodore.”
“Very well. Chief Kaalel, are there any active contacts?”
“There apears to be a single Taiidani frigate in the area, Commodore.”
“Only one?”
“Yes, Commodore. Their systems are at minimal power.”
“Wanting to get a jump on us, no doubt. Have the Fiikuhl take point.”
“Aye, Commodore.”
The fleet moved in on the single Taiidani frigate, whose bridge tower had been sheered off by one of the Gaar-Balhi’s cannonades. It didn’t fire, or even take any action, just sitting helplessly.
“Comm, raise the frigate. Order them to stand down and prepare for boarding.”
“Aye, Commodore.” The petty officer adjusted frequencies, and opened a channel. “Imperial warship, this is the Hiigaran frigate Teman. Stand down and prepare to be boarded. This is your only warning.”

* * *
The marine frigate moved over the Taiidani ship, and stopped. A bright blue beam rained on the hull. Inside, Hiigaran marines materialized from the teleportation beam, and began moving down corridors. The marines were fully clad in powered armor, and equipped with heavy weaponry.

The Taiidani ship's corridors were not nearly was spacious as a Hiigaran ship's, and were trashed and littered with debris and even dead bodies. The scene indicated total chaos had befallen the frigate, probably an inevitability once the command crew had died.

A pair of similary equipped Taiidani infantry charged forward, and a gunbattle ensued. The marines took cover, and began showering the corner with heavy fire. Despite getting the surprise on the marines, the Imperial troops fell easily; one was shot through the chest, his armor finally giving out, while the other was hit through the head, dying instantly. Other than that pocket of resistance, the ship was mostly deserted, and many of the remaining crewmembers didn’t even react to the appearance of Hiigaran forces.

“Looks like the ship’s crew is in bad shape,” a sergeant reported. “Meeting minimal resistance.”

Reaching the engineering control room, the squad fanned out and took aim at a group of apathetic Imperial crewmembers. The room's consoles and displays were smashed to a large extent, an obvious reason why the ship was never able to escape. A marine then caught a noise behind a corner, and gestured for the squad to cover it. The marine then moved forward, and saw a young female lieutenant curled in a corner staring him in the eye.

"Hands up!"
She complied, albeit slowly. The lieutenant couldn't have even been twenty-five, and looked like the entire universe had been turned upside-down.
"Captain, we've secured the engine room. The ranking officer is a Lieutenant, probably the engineer," the sergeant reported.
Very good, Sergeant. Prepare to secure the crew for interrogation.
"Aye, Captain. Corporal, get everyone back to the beam-in point."
"Yes, Sergeant," the corporal replied. Several marines herded the crew down the corridor.
"The ship appears to have been completely abandoned by the Imperials, her crew left for dead. Without the bridge officers, that little girl probably didn't know what to do. From all the damage we saw coming down here, general anarchy must have followed until they had enough."
The crew is obviously a security risk, then. Use extra caution.

* * *
On the Teman, Commdore S'jet was observing the caputure operation when the inevitable happened. Consequently, he wasn't too surprised.

“Contact, bearing one-two-niner mark two-five. Signatures are Taiidani!” Kaalel reported.
“Range?” S’jet demanded.
“Ten million klicks and closing!”
“Alert all ships. Move into combat formation! Get those marines back.”
“Receiving a transmission,” the Petty Officer stated.
“Patch it through.”
Hiigaran warships, this is the Nomaeran cruiser Jhaal. You have violated our space, and we demand an explanation.
“Give me the console, Petty Officer.”
“Aye, Commodore.” She got up, and stood aside. S’jet took her seat.
“This is the Hiigaran frigate Teman. You didn’t seem to have any problems with Imperial warships violating your space.”
We dealt with the Imperial scum, Teman. Most of them fled before we could track them down.
“We’re searching this wreckage for remains of a Hiigaran destroyer that responded to the Imperial attack. They trapped a Taiidani Republic envoy here, and destroyed him. We fear the destroyer went down with him.”
You admit to violating our space even before now?
“Enough of your paranoid accusations, Jhaal. We’re looking for a lost ship. Once we find the remains, we’ll leave. This is a rescue/recovery operation, not a military action.”
We require better evidence than this. Leave now or you will be destroyed, and your government will be notified.

* * *
Gulf of Whispers - Day Three

The Gaar-Balhi was now deep within Red Sector Four of the nebula. It was easy for anyone to notice the tension developing amongst the crew; Captain Soban noticed morale slipping each day. Despite this, she had no regrets about deciding to hide in the nebula. Her crew had already survived against remarkbale odds, and the Imperial Fleet could have easily located the Gaar-Balhi anywhere else.

Even so, Valery Soban was exhausted. She felt her entire effort was a rescue mission gone horribly wrong. For a Hiigaran warship captain, however, she had to maintain a facade of assurance, or else the entire crew would cave in.
Soban stared out the destroyer’s bridge windows, contemplating the endless dark abyss of gas ahead. The nebula's vast beauty was impossible to gauge from inside, as it appeared to be a neverending haze of red and orange. Occasionally, a thicker cloud or break could be noticed, but the nebula's interior reminded Soban more of being under one of the great seas on Hiigara, where she often visited one of the undersea resorts. Those happier times seemed so far away, now, the cool oceans of Hiigara replaced by sensor-scrambling seas of charged gas. Senior Chief Somtaaw interrupted her train of thought.

“Faint contacts, bearing one-two-zero mark one-five. Range; only seventeen hundred kilometers.”
Soban's mind raced into action. “We’ll be on that in seconds.”
“No power signatures. Even if they were hiding for us, they wouldn’t power up in time.”
“Slow us down. We may have found something.”
Kavar went to the helm station. “Helm, fire bow thrusters. Station keeping speed.”
“Firing thrusters, aye. Matching speed with sensor contacts,” the helmsman replied.
The scarred warship’s bow thrusters engaged, slowing the vessel down rapidly.
“I’ve identified the contacts, Captain. They’re old Taiidani designs. An attack cruiser, a frigate, and two scientific vessels. All of them are derelict.”
“This must be the fleet Evret told me about. The reason the Taiidan are so afraid of this place. People, we just found enough spare parts to build a new ship, let alone repair this one. Kavar, call the XO up here.”
“Aye, Captain.”

* * *
Later, Commander Nabaal, General Evret, and Ambassador Holurii had gathered on the bridge, gathered around the central holodisplay. Its bluish glow put an eerie reflection on their faces. The bridge was now quiet, winding down for the night shift.

“We’ve found remnants of a Taiidani fleet. The markings are Republican,” Soban explained.
“Yes, this is the scientific expedition we sent here fifty years ago. Only one ship returned. Why are you so interested about this space debris?”
“I agree, Captain,” Holurii noted. “We shouldn’t stay here and let the same threat that destroyed this fleet take us as well.”
“I’d normally agree, Mister Ambassador, but we can’t escape in this condition. Our field repairs won’t hold up to a major attack. I’d like to salvage what good hull components I can from the cruiser.”
Holurii nodded. He didn’t know what to make of this insane idea.
“The armor on that cruiser is obsolete, but it is better than what you have.”
“We’re still patching up from the last attack,” Nabaal explained.
“Say the word, Mister Ambassador, and we’ll move on.”
“How are your engine repairs?”
Kavar stepped forward. “Mostly complete, Mister Ambassador. Last report I was given, engine two was the only one not able to hold flank speed. We can escape if trouble arises.”
“Then I have no objections.”
“Excellent,” Soban replied. “XO, assign some repair drones to salvage the armor plating. Let’s take everything from the cruiser...”
Soban paused when she noticed some strange readings on the holodisplay.
“That debris reads different. Senior Chief?”
“It’s Turanic Raider wreckage, Captain,” he replied.
Evret looked at the display. “That doesn’t belong out here. There are no Raiders...”
“There are with the Imperial force, General. They knew we were coming here.”
“Well, then who the hell took them out?” Nabaal sniped.
“Get those parts as quickly as you can, Nabaal.”
“Right away, Captain.”
“Once we get the hull parts we need, I want a test of all five engines, Lieutenant. We’re going to need them.”
“Aye, Captain.”

* * *
Koziir System - Shipyard 24-A

Lieutenant Jeran Ferriil had gone past a hurtle of security stations to reach the restricted area he was at now. Walking along a deserted docking arm, he saw a Hiigaran frigate out the numerous windows. Unlike most Hiigaran vessels, the frigate was remarkably sleek. A vessel so secret few inside the Hiigaran Navy even knew it existed, the Banshee frigate.

Fleet Intelligence was one of the unsung heroes of the Dust Wars, and that was a mark of their success. Whereas many Hiigaran captains dreaded going deep into Imperial territory, much of FI's work was in the so-called Bandit Kingdoms. The Banshee frigate was central to these efforts, a high-tech vessel that, while pitifully armed, could sneak or deceive its way anywhere. They were manned by the very best officers, crew, and intelligence personnel, and were choicier in their postings than even battlecruisers and destroyers.

Clearing security once more, Ferriil entered the docking arm, entering the vessel. Two civilian agents guarded the airlock, rather than marines. They checked him once more, and cleared Ferriil to go through. A short walk down the corridor, and he arrived at the ship’s bridge. It was small and cramped, not nearly as impressive as the ship’s exterior. The whine of machinery filled the air, something he remembered being the most irritating aspect of the ship. It was an ECM generator designed to mask the fields given off by beating hearts, in order to hide life sign readings by enemy ships.

A middle-aged woman stood at the bridge’s center, the same woman that had posed as a technican the day before. In reality, she was a Special Operative with Hiigaran Intelligence. The Navy’s Fleet Intelligence would work side-by-side with them on this mission. The operative smiled slightly, and stepped forward. Despite being older, the agent had an elegance about her that irritated Ferriil, especially since she was his CO.

“Lieutenant Ferriil. Welcome aboard the Khar-Elaat.”
“Agent Riif. Are we ready to get underway?”
“Almost. The crew is conducting their final checks and so forth. You’re late.”
“Well, ma’am, I had trouble securing transportation to the shipyard. Admiral Paktu wanted to know why I was taking early leave right in the midst of a crisis.”
“Of course. Now, were you able to find out anything?”
“From my sources within the Imperial realm, little of them even know about the operation. The only ones that do are in Fralon, one of the smaller factions.”
The communications crewman looked up. “Docking control has confirmed no outside traffic. We are clear for departure.”
“Clear moorings,” Ferriil ordered.
“Aye, Lieutenant,” the helmsman replied. “Docking cradle released, we are under internal power.”
“Engage emitters, Lieutenant,” Riif ordered.
Out of the shipyard emerged not a sleek and classified intelligence frigate, but what appeared to be an innocent support ship. The ship's engines flared, moving the deceptive frigate out of orbit.
“Mimic field is holding,” Ferriil stated.
“A ship with a mimicking system and a cloaking device. Very nice.”
“We use these things to spy on the Imperials all the time.”

* * *
Gulf of Whispers

Situation Report 2.01 - Sublieutenant Amanda Kavar

Engine repairs to the Gaar-Balhi are now complete. I’m very pleased to report that all five fusion engines are now ready for testing. The repair crews have done some excellent work, and given us a chance at completing this mission. I still have some concerns with engine number two, which was almost entirely rebuilt with spare parts, but it should operate normally.

Hull damage to the Gaar-Balhi has been much harder to repair. Salvaging components of a wrecked Taiidani crusier, Commander Nabaal and the engineering crew have been working around the clock to repair the damage incurred in both the bomber attack and our inital combat with the Taiidani capital ships. Even with these repairs, we won’t be able to take as much damage as a new ship. A complete refit will be required upon our return.

* * *
The Gaar-Balhi was still in the process of patching herself up with old Taiidani hull components, with repair drones and EV-suited engineers removing damaged sections and replacing them. The once graceful destroyer, with her blue-gray livery, was now speckled with burnt sections of hull, bare sections where field repairs were made, and white panels taken off the ruined cruiser. Still more cruiser sections deemed useless were taken aboard and broken down using the engineer's phased dissassembler array, which was needed to store materials for future repairs.

Commander Soban found her XO in the engineering control room, supervising the efforts outside. Next to the bridge, engineering was one of the busier parts of the ship, although it was somewhat larger. The room was essentially rows of computer terminals and consoles flanking a central status board that showed the vessel's schematics. A few sections were indicated in red, showing hull stress or outright absense as the bad parts were being replaced. Even so, the ship's repairs had come a long way in the last few hours, something Soban was very thankful for.

“Commander?”
He faced her. “Captain.”
“How are the repairs going?”
“We’re laying the last sections now. I’m still taking some sections aboard to break down.”
“Very well, but we don’t need to hang around here any longer than we have to. Get your men inside as soon as possible, I want to test the engines and make sure we don’t kill ourselves.”
“Aye, Captain.”

With that, Soban left engineering. Her next stop was the officers’ mess, where Ambassador Holurii was. It was time she talked to him about the Zephon.

* * *
The Ambassador was sitting quietly when Soban walked up. The officer's mess was somewhat more cheerful than the rest of the ship, with white paint on the bulkheads, several potted plants to liven things up, and the sets of tables where several officers were chatting and eating a brief lunch. Meals were about all the break the Gaar's crew got, regardless of whether they were enlisted or officer.

“Mister Ambassador?”
“Captain Soban. What brings you here?”
“I’d like to speak with you a moment. May I?”
“Of course.”

Soban took a seat, and looked the ambassador in the eye. He was at least ten years older than her, had graying brown hair and green eyes. Those eyes pondered what the Hiigaran captain, trying to gauge her thoughts.

“What do you know about the Zephon’s condition?”
“Very little, I’m afraid. That’s the crew’s concern, I suppose.”
“My Officer-of-the-Watch informed me that the Zephon’s hyperspace core is damaged beyond repair. Your ship won’t be able to escape this nebula.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. I’ve had Senior Chief Somtaaw examine the ship himself, he confirmed heavy damage to the core module. At this point the only solution is to abandon the Zephon and transfer everyone aboard.”
“Didn’t the engineering crew take some engine components from the old cruiser?”
“They may have, I’m not positive. It could be done, since both of our nations' engine technology has been based on the same principle for about seventy years, just improved upon over time.”
“Can’t a hyperdrive be salvaged from one of the smaller ships? A frigate, perhaps?”
“You bring up a good point, Mister Ambassador, but it isn’t that easy. I may have taken only basic engineering at the Fleet Academy, but I know that it can take days or even weeks to integrate a new hyperspace core to a ship. None of these designs are courier-sized, and they are decades old. We could repair the entire hull and the engines, and you’d still be stuck in normal space.”
Holurii nodded. “I understand. We need to talk to the General, although I doubt he’ll abandon ship.”

In the distance, a comm panel buzzed. An ensign responded, and looked to Soban.

“Captain, a message for you.”
“Excuse me.”

Soban went to the panel, and answered, gesturing for the ensign to return to his table.

“Captain, aye.”
Captain, we’re ready to start engine tests, Kavar replied.
“Very well. You may begin. I’ll join you on the bridge shortly.”

* * *
“Aye, Captain,” Kavar replied. She turned to the helmsman. “Helm engage engine one at minimal power.”
“Engine one at point-one percent, aye.”
The Gaar-Balhi’s engine began to light up as containment systems engaged. The vecoring collar adjusted, and the final set of magnetic bottles opened, shooting a light stream of plasma out.
“Engine one diagnostic is coming in,” a crewman noted. “All systems are in the green.”
Kavar smiled. “Disengage and test engine four.”
“Aye, Lieutenant.”
“Engine four is showing all green.”
“Engage engine five,” Kavar ordered. Now the real test was about to come. Engines five, three, and two were the most damaged, and could potentially blow up if repairs had not gone well.
The fifth engine lit up, and engaged shortly thereafter.
“Engine five reads all green,” the crewman announced with some relief.
“Engage engine three.”
Engine three activated, and fired. A slight strain sounded, sending a chill down Kavar’s spine.
“Engine three... is showing all green!”
Kavar then exhaled, and held onto a console for security. “Engage engine two.”
The helmsman’s lack of hesitation worried Kavar. “Aye, Lieutenant. Engaging engine two.”
The virtually rebuilt second engine, some parts of which came from a wrecked Taiidani science ship, began to engage, and it vibrated the room even more noticeably. The engine ingited, and held.
“Engine two is... showing green!”
“Thank Sajuuk, he has blessed us today,” Kavar muttered. “Officer’s mess, bridge.”

Soban was already by the comm panel, having noticed the slight vibrations of the two last engines.

“Captain, aye.”
“The engines check out, Captain. We’re ready to begin a full-power test.”
“Excellent. Wait until I arrive to begin the full-power test. Soban out.”

* * *
Evret was dumbstruck. Commander Soban and his Ambassador stood before the General, having gave him the most appalling news of the entire week. He’d had enough.

“Soban, you’ve asked too much of me. First, you ask us to go through this dangerous nebula, then you let two of my crewmen die at the hands of your ‘Doctor’. Now, you ask me to abandon the Zephon altogether, and ride on your Hiigaran garbage barge. This is too much.”

Holurii was losing patience.

“General, that ‘garbage barge’ has protected us against remarkable odds.”
“I’ve told you the facts, General. I’m not going to answer to your insults and accusations.”
“You’re the worst Captain I’ve ever met, Soban. And this is just another rash decision on your part.”
“Evret, you’re my advisor. I say we’re abandoning this ship.”
“Mister Ambassador, you’ve been listening to a fool!”
Holurii nodded. “Yes, you’re right. I have Major Parsan, transfer everyone to the Gaar-Balhi. Commander Nabaal has quarters already designated.”
“Yes, sir,” the Major replied.
“Ambassador?”
“The discussion is over, General. Unless you want to stay behind, I suggest you get moving.”

* * *
The Zephon’s crew had moved everything to the Gaar-Balhi, and locked the ship down. General Evret was the last to leave, and looked back into the airlock as it closed, sealing off a ship he'd called his personal courier for seven years. He then went onward.

Commander Soban was back on the bridge, ready to get underway.
“Status report.”
“All systems are functioning, Captain,” Kavar reported. “The Zephon’s crew is aboard.”
“Detach the Zephon and stand by.”
A crewman worked the docking controls. A deep thud indicated the release of the courier, which slowly drifted away.
“The Zephon has cleared.”
“Increase our distance. Let’s not leave anything for the Raiders to recover.”
“Aye, Captain. Helm, fire starboard thrusters.”
“Firing thrusters, aye,” the helmsman replied.
The Gaar moved further away from the small courier.
“Prepare to fire.”
“Fire control, arm topside battery, and plot a firing solution.”
The fire control crew went to work. A petty officer nodded.
“The Zephon was one resilient ship. She did more than she was ever intended to, but has reached the end of her journey. Not only does she have the thanks of her crew, but of us as well.”
“Fire.”
The Gaar-Balhi shot off one set of shells, which impacted on the Zephon. It exploded in a brilliant flash of fire and debris.
Kavar looked over at Soban. “That was... beautiful, Captain.”
“It’s naval tradition to give old ships a send-off, Kavar, even when a proper decommissioning is out of the question. Now that we have, get us out of here. Set course for waypoint A, ahead full. We’ll power down the engines once we know they can hold full power.”
“Aye, Captain.” Kavar turned to the helm station. “Helm make your course three-zero-eight mark one-four. Ahead flank speed.”
“Three-zero-eight mark one-four, aye. Engines ahead flank.”

The powerful engines burst to life, illuminating the gas and dust around it in an iridescent blue glow. The engines were slowly throttled up to full power, and began to move the vessel away, leaving the derelicts behind.

“Engines are maintaining full power, Captain. All systems show green.”
“Good to see the engineers and damage control teams did quality work. Get us back down to silent running.”
“Helm, decrease engines to one quarter, silent running.”
“Silent running, aye.”
For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, the Gaar-Balhi was back to life, her powerful engines carrying her through the murky nebula once again.

* * *
Miiarak System

Commodore S’jet knew things were bound to fall apart at any second. His squadron was facing off against a Nomaeran flotilla that could easily take them down. Worse, the Nomaerans had little tolerance for the “warmongering” Hiigarans.

The Nomaerans were one of many nations to splinter off when the Taiidan Empire collapsed generations ago. A coalition of more peaceful systems, the Nomaerans had long been vocal opponents of the ongoing Dust Wars, citing the fact that Hiigaran territory - dictated by the Republic and Bentusi as a 10-lightyear zone around Hiigara - now spanned the inner rim, brushing against a long border region with the Taiidan Republic, which was mostly located in the Shining Hinterlands, closer to the core. Nomaeran territory was located between the two, some 1800 lightyears from Hiigara. Unlike several splinter nations that the Republic reabsorbed, or was annexed by the Hiigarans, the Nomaerans kept at arms length with the Republic and as far as possible away from the Hiigarans.

“You want proof, Jhaal? We’ve got an Imperial frigate captured, along with its ranking officer. Send a probe if you must, but the ship’s been here for quite some time.”

* * *
Rear Admiral Kadriis of the Nomaeran Defense Force was very skeptical of the Hiigarans’ claims, but his sensor operators did confirm Taiidani signatures alongside the squadron. One of the most experienced commanders in the NDF, Kadriis felt his duty to the Nomaeran nation was to defend its sovereignty, not go on the offensive and carve up bandit kingdoms as he saw fit. That was his opinion of the Hiigarans, and he would need to see better proof than the claims of one of their officers.

“Send one scout fighter to examine them up close.”
“Admiral, that’ll be suicide if the Hiigarans are bluffing,” the cruiser’s captain replied.
“Captain, do you seriously think the Hiigarans will fire when we’ve got them outnumbered two to one? They don’t even have a destroyer to support them. Deploy the scout.”
“Aye, sir.”

* * *
Commodore S’jet watched the lone scout on his display as it made a quick sweep of the area. It darted back to its carrier upon confirming his claim.

“Hopefully they’ll listen now.”

What felt like an eternity passed as the scout docked with its carrier and reported back in. It was actually a few minutes, but those had to be the most tense few minutes in Commodore S’jet’s life. Finally, a message came through.

Teman, this is the Jhaal. We acknowledge that you have an Imperialist frigate in your possession. How do we know that it wasn’t just brought here to serve your purpose?
“What purpose would that be?” S’jet remarked too loudly.
What purpose? Invasion! Do you take us for fools?
“No, I don’t. But what do we have to gain by invading the Independent Colonies of Nomaer?”
Our planets? Resources for your war efforts?
“With seven frigates?”
You’re an advance force!
“That’s been here going on six hours. That’s about eight Nomaeran hours, I recall. You think we’d plan such a piecemeal invasion?”
The rest of your fleet could be elsewhere right now.
“I’ve got you now,” S’jet whispered confidently. “Then why didn’t we call for that grand main assault fleet when we were in danger? Certainly a few destroyers could have come in handy. Oh, and not to mention that an invasion fleet would have jumped much closer to the Nomaeran colony worlds. We often jump into maximum orbit of a planet, not the very outskirts of a useless frontier star system. Explain that.”

There was nothing but silence over the comm. S’jet wondered if he had finally gotten through to the stubborn man aboard the Jhaal.

* * *
Admiral Kadriis had run out of excuses. The Hiigarans obviously weren’t an attack force. At best they could be a diversion. If they were, it was a bad one.

“What are we going to do, sir?” the captain pondered. “Withdraw or force them to leave?”
“They may be on a rescue mission, Captain, as unlikely as that seems. All I know is that there’s nothing for them to rescue. And that frigate matches the surrounding wreckage. Reopen the channel.”

The communications crewman complied.

“Teman, you are welcome to continue your search of the wreckage, but we have already done the work for you. Besides some minor hull fragments, there are no signs of a Hiigaran warship. It either escaped, or was destroyed so completely as to leave no recognizable wreckage. That’s unlikely.”

* * *
S’jet heard the message, and sighed. He then replied. “Thank you for your cooperation, Jhaal. You have no idea what happened out here?”
Actually, we do. Several Imperial ships hyperspaced in here, out of the range of our patrols. They trapped a Republic ship using gravwell generators, and attacked. Approximately seven minutes later, a single Hiigaran signature hyperspaced in, probably the destroyer you’re looking for. Our own forces couldn’t reach the battle in time, unfortunately. By the time my taskforce arrived, most of the enemy fleet had hyperspaced away.
“Any Hiigaran signatures?”
There may have been, but we can’t be certain... Wait. We have a Hiigaran and one Taiidani signature just before the others. They obviously were able to escape.
“Thank you for your help, again, Jhaal. Since we don’t know where they went, we can’t mount another search effort.”
We can search the surrounding systems. A joint search, perhaps?
“That would be most gracious of you.”
I’d to ask you aboard our ship to discuss a seach plan.
S’jet allowed himself a smile. “Very well. I’ll transport over as soon as possible. Teman out.”

Kadriis looked at the captain in confusion. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Captain.”

* * *
The Gaar-Balhi

The Gaar-Balhi’s engines were holding. Commander Soban was taking a moment to rest, sitting on the edge of a console. The destroyer Captain looked over when Kavar spoke up.

“Captain, we’re entering the first turn.”
Soban stood, and straightened her tunic. “Very well.”

Kavar examined the holodisplay, and then turned to the helmsman.

“Helm, make your course eight-four mark niner.”
“Eight-four mark niner, aye.”

Soban’s head snapped toward the holodisplay when the infamous “ping” sounded. The ping vanished, then reappeared in another position. The randomness of the anomaly was confusing, but not uncommon in such a nebula.

“Report.”
Somtaaw examined his sensors.
“I’m reading an intermittent energy anomaly nearby.”
“In other words, the Imperials have found us.”
Somtaaw looked up. “It’s not a Taiidani signaure. In fact, it doesn’t read any known signature. Could be natural, or anything, really.”
“Well, I’m not going to attract its attention.”
“Too late! The anomaly is much closer!”
“General quarters!”
Kavar hit the comm panel. “General quarters, general quarters. All hands man your battle stations. This is no drill.”
“By Sajuuk, I haven’t come this far to die,” Soban muttered.
“Kiith’s blood... it’s moving fast!”
“Evasive maneuvers.”
The Gaar-Balhi moved off course, and changed direction again, lurching to port. Suddenly, a sleek vessel screamed past at horrible speed, narrowly avoiding a direct collision.
“What is that thing?”
The vessel came about with mind-numbing agility, and came face to face with the Gaar-Balhi.
“What the hell are they doing? Reverse engines!”
The Gaar’s engines flared to full power, the vectoring collars shifting to create negative thrust. The bridge vibrated slightly as the engines slowed the mighty vessel down, just avoiding a direct collision.

* * *
Evret looked out the window of his quarters, and gnashed his teeth at the sight of the alien ship. It was dark gray, and had an arrowhead-shaped hull lined with many windows. Two long finials sprouted from aft, nearly doubling the ship's length. A narrow, blade-like bow finished the ship off, with what appeared to be the bridge sitting atop. It was an overall majestic vessel with terrible power, not an exact match to his woefully outdated intelligence, but similar enough. What he'd feared for days had finally come to pass.
“Sobani fool. Now the inevitable has come. We’re all dead.”

* * *
“What are we dealing with?”
“It’s a smaller vessel, but extremely well-armed,” Somtaaw reported. “I’m reading eight directed energy weapons of unknown design, and no fusion drives. Apparently the ship moves on some kind of inertialess drive. The hull could take a heavy bombardment, as well. Not reading any known lifesigns aboard.”

For the first time, Soban felt true doubt. Her ship was now trapped in the Gulf with an impossibly powerful foe staring them down. A foe that had no reputation for mercy...

Lovely, simply lovely Chapter instalment. I got Goosebumps in the beginning reading the chaos of what was happening in Sick bay. One doctor and a few helpers seem woefully small though, even for a military ship. You also did a really nice job of setting up the tension between the two captains. You could almost feel them vying for the ambassador’s approval, trying to win him over.

The split from the focus on the Destoyer to the various other factions is also a good mix-up with the story. I see you finally get to use your Marine Frigates in action, must have had a lot of fun writing that scene.

I think the best part was when the two Crippled ships found the cache of derelict Taiidain ships. I really love reading about the Crippled Destroyer began to desperately rebuild itself. Found myself humming the theme from StarTrek-II when the crew we’re refitting after Khans attack.

Of course then you leave us all hanging by having their ship, held together by duct-tape and fishing wire, staring down the face of a craft that could easily vap them… Give us more!

An update to Ch. 3: Added some more vivid descriptions and some more in-depth information. The original was a little bland. Also increased the Gaar's medical staff by adding another doctor and two more nurses.
- Ra

Chapter Four - "Confrontations"

The Gaar-Balhi

The alien warship floated before the Gaar-Balhi like a dark specter, saying nothing and doing nothing. Whoever manned the ship knew they had the initiative. The destroyer's Hiigaran crew was virtually in a state of panic, officers and NCO's screaming orders. The bridge was lit in a dim red, and the air was cold with fear.

In the midst of this madness, Commander Soban regained her posture. Now was not a time to have regrets. The dark vessel could barely be made out in the murky nebula, a remarkably sleek shape with lethal intentions. Soban spun around.

"Alright! Somtaaw, can you tell if the ship's weapons are armed?"

"Not that I can tell, Captain," the Senior Chief replied.

Commander Nabaal was now on the bridge. He looked at Soban expecting some kind of instruction.

"Captain, from what the Taiidan told us these aliens attack without provocation. Shouldn't we respond in kind?"

Soban was in no mood for Nabaal telling her what to do. "Three weeks ago, Nabaal, what did I tell you?"

He looked down.

"Right. I'm not going to provok these bastards no matter what their previous history is. The fact that we're still alive must mean something. Citing your own example, the aliens attack suddenly. We would have died on their first pass. Comm, signal the alien ship. General ceasefire request, low-power transmission so they won't think it's an attack."

"Aye, Captain," the communications chief responded. He worked his console, then looked up. "They haven't picked up anything on our normal frequencies. I'll try the lower bands."

Moments later, he nodded. "They're recieving."

"Send message: Attention unidentified vessel, this is the Hiigaran ship Gaar-Balhi. We wish no hostile actions, and are attempting to navigate the nebula. We're under pursuit from hostile craft and request passage. Please respond."

The chief complied. A long moment passed as the vessel continued to not respond.

"What's taking them so long?"

"Probably trying to figure out our language, what the message means, and if we just transmitted a computer virus to their ship, something Raiders have been known to do."

Somtaaw then spoke up. "Captain, we're being scanned. They're studing each section of the ship in detail!"

"As would be expected. Return the favor."

Somtaaw sent out an active scan, bringing a full analysis of the ship on his monitor. Soban walked over.

"As I had suspected, Captain, the ship uses an inertialess drive, similar to the type on Bentusi ships, but much different in machinery. They have seven weapon turrets, and... wait! They're arming!"

"Ready all weapons! Now!"

"Arm main batteries, and lock a firing solution," Nabaal ordered.
Soban had to think fast. A direct confrontation was suicide. She then noticed something odd about the alien ship.

"No hyperspace core?"

"Captain?" Somtaaw inquired.

"They don't have a hyperspace core... I think..." She darted over to the communications station, and accessed the computer. She then found the full schematics to the ship's hyperspace core and inserted it in a burst transmission.

"Send that. Now!"

"Aye, Captain."

"What are you doing?" Nabaal panicked.

"The only thing we can do!"

What seemed like imminent death was put on hold. The alien warship didn't fire.

"They aren't firing?"

"We couldn't get through to them with our language, we'll give them a prize and see if they take it. If whoever is in that ship has common sense, they won't kill us now."

"Which hasn't been guaranteed."

Soban ignored Nabaal's doomsaying, and examined Somtaaw's monitor. Both saw the aliens' response in complete surprise. The sleek warship shot vertical, then flipped around and moved off at astonishing speed.
"What... did we just do?" Somtaaw murmured.

Soban turned to her officer of the watch. "Kavar, I don't need to say it."
"Helm, resume course, ahead full!" Sublieutenant Kavar commanded.
"Resuming course, aye! Engines to full," the helmsman echoed. He made no effort to hide the relief in his voice.

The Gaar's engines burst to life, accelerating the destroyer off into the depths of the orange nebula.

Kavar sighed, and rubbed her neck in relief. She'd taken quite a gamble, and it paid off. Even so, encountering the alien ship hardly qualified as a confidence booster.

"Well, I hope we didn't just send them off to call their entire fleet," Soban commented. "Senior Chief, can you verify their vector?"

"The ship's heading off on course three-one-one mark six-four, Captain. Nothing charted in that direction, of course."

Soban sat on some of the bridge railing, and pondered.

"These aliens must have been in here even before the First Time. So deep within the nebula that they were never contacted."

"That does seem to be the case, Captain," Kavar agreed. "Otherwise, they would be a galactic power, not hiding within the nebula."

"Well, remember the Kadeshi. Too afraid to leave their nebula sanctuary and face the major powers."

Nabaal jumped in. "No core? How are they supposed to get this far out?"
"From the speeds they showed on the initial pass, Commander, I'd say they can hold .75 at top speed. It would still require years to reach another star," Somtaaw replied.

Kavar concurred. "From what we know, the Inlet is home to a pulsar. Judging from illumination, there could be one or many stars in this area."
"I'm betting Kashar's Inlet is near several more gaps in the nebula. Where these aliens call home."

"All I know," Nabaal murmured, "is that we'd better hope they don't take your information exchange as a hostile act."

Unbeknownst to the Gaar-Balhi's crew, they were still not alone in the murky nebula. The destroyer's engines once again dimmed to silent running, but not before giving away her presence. Out of the mists of gas emerged a Turanic Raider hunter-killer frigate, her engines cut off completely as she stalked the Hiigaran vessel. Unable to take down even a damaged destroyer by herself, the frigate was waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike...

* * *
Koziir System

Admiral Paktu had been woke rather early, and his attitude showed it. Adjusting his uniform collar furiously, he stepped onto the Eheb-San's bridge.

"Admiral on the bridge," a crewmember announced.

"As you were," Paktu grumbled. "Report, Captain."

"Admiral, a large fleet has hyperspaced in."

"Nice way to start any day," Paktu smirked. "Who is it?"

"Commodore S'jet has arrived with his squadron, and some new friends. He's awaiting our signal."

Paktu glanced over at the holodisplay.

"Those ships are Nomaeran!"

"Yes, Admiral."

"Get me the Teman."

"Yes, Admiral, opening frequencies," the communications chief responded.

"Taal! What the hell is going on?"

I assume you're wondering about the Nomaeran cruiser. Admiral Kadriis has offered to assist us in locating the Gaar-Balhi. They've provided information on the battle between Imperialist forces and the destroyer. Apparently she and the Zephon escaped. The wreckage of both vessels was never found.

"Anything else?"

We found some prisoners. They are being interrogated now.

"Why should I know this? We get prisoners all the time."

Well, Admiral, one of them has asked me a very peculiar request.

"Now this should be interesting..."

* * *
Commodore S'jet entered the Teman's brig. It was very small, as a frigate-sized vessel rarely took prisoners. The Taiidani lieutenant was isolated in the room, flanked by a marine guard. S'jet gestured for the guard to leave, which she did.

The Commodore sat across the table from the enemy officer, which didn't even look up at him.

"You asked to see me?"

She then looked up, and nodded.

"What's your name?"

"Lieutenant... Siiras Wilaam."

"Why do you want to talk to me? Think you're going to get released?"

"No."

S'jet could tell the young officer was terrified. She had obviously been through a lot, and probably hated the Hiigarans for it. But if the brigmaster was right...

"You probably want to know about that destroyer," she muttered. "I'll tell you on one condition."

"Yes, our entire operation is to rescue the Gaar-Balhi. But you are in no position to dictate terms."

She sighed, and looked down.

"What do you want, Wilaam?"

"Get me away from those people. Let me see a doctor, please..."

S'jet saw some bruises on the girl.

"Agreed. I'll give you access to a doctor and will move you to the Eheb-San's brig. The other prisoners are scheduled to go to the Havakaa VI penal colony, they won't go aboard the flagship. If you tell the truth, I might even vouch for your release and asylum hearing."

"OK. We were sent to the Miiarak System to locate a Republican envoy. The fleet trapped it in the system with a gravwell, and had the frigates move in to capture her. The Raiders also came in to help. The problem was, the envoy got out a distress call before we could jam it."

"Alright."

"Then everything started going wrong. A hyperspace window opened outside the gravity field, it was one of yours. The ship took out the Raider frigates, and the gravwell generator. Admiral Hasari ordered everyone to intercept the destroyer. As we were one of the missile frigates, we took point."

"Go on."

"The destroyer took us all by surprise. We expected it to flee, since it rescued the envoy. Instead, the destroyer made a run at the fleet, and attacked us. All the missile frigates fired. I heard all the orders coming over the bridge comm traffic. They reported most of the shots missed, the ones that hit didn't do enough damage."

S'jet knew such a story sounded insane, but as a member of the same Hiigaran 9th Fleet as Commander Soban, he knew what she was capable of. She was known for taking insane risks at times, usually with surprising results.

"It then started attacking our squadron. I heard reports of one of the ships breaking up. Then it happened. The entire ship shook real violently, and everyone was thrown to the floor. The bridge was silent. I kept calling back, no answer. Our structural reports indicated that the entire conning tower had been blown off."

"And the Gaar-Balhi?"

"The destroyer attacked the main fleet gravwell ship, and took it out. Seconds later, it escaped into hyperspace. We were rerouting commands to engineering, so I had sensor control. We read two hyperspace singatures, one of them Taiidani. The Republican ship had escaped with them. It was a... brilliant move."

"Indeed it was..."

S'jet tried to use common sense, but he believed Wilaam. This entire fiasco sounded like a Valery Soban strategy. Running at the fleet, eliminating their gravwell ship, and then making an emergency hyperspace jump was a daring plan, but possibly feasible.

"What else? What happened after the destroyer escaped?"

"The entire flotilla jumped off. They left us for dead, along with the other crippled or destroyed ships. Lieutenant Hekaii, the off-duty officer of the watch, took command of the ship from the auxiliary control room. I went to work on getting our systems back online. After six hours, the crew was starting to grow restless. People were fighting in the enlisted quarters, some weren't working... then the NCO's formed a pact. The Master-at-Arms wanted to take control of the ship."

Wilaam was starting to shed tears.

"You don't have to go on. You've told me all I need to know."

Wilaam nodded, but continued to tell the story between tears. "They went through the ship killing all the officers. The infantry was still loyal, but most of them died defending the control room. Hekaii told me to scuttle the engines just before he was shot. I did, stranding us. Then the NCO's came for me. We fought them in every corridor, along with the rest of the soldiers. He finally died, and the rest ran off. For hours, the mutiners struck randomly, and killed all the other officers. Even the chaplain. I was so scared... I hid in a corner, and hoped they wouldn't find me."

Wilaam wept bitterly. She couldn't go on, having seen so many of her friends die. S'jet knew this was no criminal. She was a young lady that wanted to serve in the Imperial fleet, and didn't have dreams of seeing Hiigara's sky burn. She was too young... S'jet reached over, and put an arm around her.

* * *
Hours later, Commdore S'jet was aboard the Eheb-San.

"You mean to tell me she spilled everything?" inquired a skeptical Paktu.

"Yes, Admiral. She said the Gaar-Balhi and Zephon escaped, as we had hoped."

"And chances are this is an Imperial information ploy."

"Admiral, she cried her eyes out. If that was acting, she should go into holodrama. And she said the NCO's rebelled aboard her ship. One of the enlisted men confirmed this during interrogation."

"Alright. What did she ask for?"

"A doctor and to be separated from the prisoners. I agreed she wouldn't go to the penal colony."

"Am I to guess that asylum is part of the plea deal?"

"No, Admiral, but she's no threat. Why should she stay in a prison for the rest of her life?"

"Commdore, this intel seems to fit the facts, but if it turns out to be a trap..."

"I understand, Admiral."

* * *
Hasari's flagship

Commodore Hasari stormed down the corridor of his destroyer as the morning propaganda broadcast played over the ship's intercom, the "sacred message" being spoken over the dramatic chords of the Imperial Anthem. Hasari reached the bridge, where the enlisted crewmembers listened intently - or at least pretended to - while the officers kept an eye on the ship's systems and talked amongst themselves. Standing in the middle of the bridge were several Turanic Raiders, awaiting the Commodore's presence. And again, they were wearing heavy suits.

"Commodore on the bridge!" a crewman announced.

"Carry on."

The central Raider stepped up. She was the leader of the Raider party Hasari had contracted for the mission.

"Commodore Hasari. We've got something you'd like to hear."

"Is that so?"

"We went into Red Sector Four, and began-"

"You what?" Hasari demanded.

"We went off your indicated path. We have the forces to do so."

"I need every ship you have patrolling the route, not going off risking alien contact."

"If you would listen, you fool, one of our frigates has located wreckage from the Zephon."

Hasari stood beside himself. The Hiigarans actually risked travelling through the Red Sectors, despite what he'd thought. "The Zephon? It was destroyed?"

"Scuttled by heavy cannon fire. Shell traces match that of a Hiigaran mass driver round. No bodies or biomaterial were found, indicating the ship was evacuated then destroyed."

"This is some interesting news. Has any data been recovered?"

"What was left of the computer core revealed nothing. The memory was wiped. But there is something else."

Hasari nodded suspiciously. He still found this story hard to believe, even if it was from an ally.

"We found traces of deuterium residue imbedded in hull fragments, as well has severe impact damage on the main engines. The Zephon was attacked by several fusion bombs, at the least. I recall two flights of strike bombers never reported back."

"Yes. Where did you find this wreckage?"

"At these coordinates," she indicated on the holodisplay. "The location of a Heretic cruiser hulk, concurrent with their reports of hostile contact fifty years ago. A large hull section had been removed from the derelict, the cuts very recent."

"Were there any Hiigaran hull panels?"

"No. It also matches their tactics. Hiigarans never leave parts of their ship behind, they usually break them down for reassembly, especially on larger ships."

"Are you sure this is the Zephon?"

"I'm positive, Commodore. The wreckage was much fresher than the derelicts, if that's what you need to know. They have been getting covered in dust for fifty years."

Hasari stared at the strategic map for a moment, pondering. He then pointed to Kashar's Inlet, where his carrier group was stationed.

"I'll have my forces regroup at the Inlet. Fighters will patrol the likely approach of the Exile ship. I want your forces patrolling the route as well. Run as silent as you can to avoid alien confrontation. In fact, you need only lure the Exiles to the Inlet. Get them more eager to reach it, so I can cut them to pieces myself."

"There are no other areas the destroyer can escape the charged gases to jump?"

"Not that I'm aware of. There's a star system nearby, but it's over a lightyear away. It would take them years to reach it. The Exiles wanted to travel just deep enough into the Gulf to evade us, get us spread out looking for them, and make another daring escape," Hasari stated. He then smiled wickedly. "I won't give them the pleasure."

* * *
The Gaar-Balhi

Commander Valery Soban was in her office. The room was very quiet, and nicely lit. After spending hours on the dimmly lit bridge, she welcomed lots of light, and the serene quiet afforded by the room. Soban's office was a sanctuary of sorts... a place for her to escape and actually reflect on other something besides the dire mission ahead.

Something like that handsome Manaani businessman she'd spent some time with before leaving port. When was she going to see him again? Only time could tell, Soban supposed. She sometimes regretted the fact that Sobani weren't allowed to marry. One had to leave the Kiith in order to do so. The quiet of Soban's sanctuary was broken when the door chimed. She sat up, and answered.

"Yes?"

"Lieutenant Commander Nabaal requests permission to enter."

"Proceed."

Nabaal entered, flanked by Ambassador Holurii and General Evret. Judging by the General's wry smile, something was up. She knew exactly what it was.

"Captain, Ambassador Holurii and General Evret wish to-"

"You've stepped over the line this time, Sobani," Evret interrupted.

"If you'll forgive my advisor's gall, Captain, but there is a major problem. Why did you give a hostile alien race - a race that has shown a tendency in the past to attack our ships without provocation - hyperspace technology? You realize that the aliens will now have the ability to leave the Gulf and attack our assets at will?"

"I realize that it was a grave risk, Mister Ambassador. But it secured our lives. Otherwise the aliens would have destroyed us."

Holurii got more adamant. "You traded the risk of the Imperials acquiring Progenitor technology with an alien menace that will destroy us all!"

Soban sighed, and sat back in her chair. "With all due respect, Ambassador, I felt we didn't have any other choice. It was either give them a blatant sign of friendship, or die fighting a foe that is far more powerful than us. Perhaps if fate smiles upon us, they'll even go after the Imperials in preference to us."

"You took a grave risk, and compromised advanced technology to an enemy force, Sobani. I expect your government will have something to say," Evret crowed.

Soban smirked. "You keep using Sobani as if it's some kind of insult, General. I'll have you know I'm a proud Sobani, a member of an honored order. And if you don't agree with my decisions, very well. But you remember this is my ship. Yours is lying in ruins many millions of klicks behind us."

"Captain, back to the point," Holurii said slowly. "We can't begin to calculate the repercussions of what you've done."

"In a way, Mister Ambassador, you're right. You may not agree with what I did, but I did what I felt was not only right, but prudent for the situation. This is a species trapped at sublight velocities. Hyperspace, something we take for granted at times, would allow them to do things beyond their dreams. No rational species capable of such power would smite the very people that gave them such a gift. A species like theirs, or like both of ours, is at least capable of rational thought."

Holurii nodded. She'd convinced him, in a way. But he still felt she'd made a grave mistake. "I can only hope for both our sakes that you're right."

* * *
Far away from the reach of the Gaar-Balhi's sensors, the alien warship punched out of the nebula into a small gap. Several more ships like her were docked to a massive outpost, an imposing structure the size of a Mothership. The tall station recieved a brief transmission from the warship, recieving extremely detailed technical readouts. Readouts that the crew combed over eagerly, and then beamed far deeper into the nebula...

* * *
Gaar-Balhi Officer's Mess

Sublieutenant Kavar had taken some time for lunch, as well as time to reflect the general state of things. The officer's mess was, unlike most of the ship, well-lit. In addition, the walls were painted a more comforting shade of white, and plants were added in strategic places. It was a much warmer, and more laid back atmosphere than the rest of the ship.

Kavar was sitting alone at her table, as many of the other officers hadn't come in for their meals yet. However, the Zephon crewmembers were already there, one of them was the pilot. He noticed Kavar, and walked over.

"Hi. Mind if I join you?"

"Of course not," Kavar replied kindly.

The pilot took a seat, and put his drink down. "Just wondered if you wanted to talk."

"That's alright. I always could use company. What's your name?"

"Viir Loraan."

"I'm Amanda Kavar."

"I've been a little restless as of late, as have the military types. We're on a warship, but can't help out. It's frustrating. I just... don't like being a passenger while everyone else is on the edge of dying every day."

"It's a problem. I've been wanting to talk to the Captain about it myself. But, there hasn't been much time."

"Hardly is when the Imperials are trying to kill us all the time..." Loraan paused, then looked up. He was genuinely worried about this entire incident. Things seemed hopeless. He'd even lost a friend to the bomber attack, and it was eating away at him. "You think we'll get out of here?"

Kavar, ever the optimist, smiled. "Of course! I have no doubt of that."

He smiled at that comment. "I had always heard the Hiigarans are the greatest optimists in the galaxy."

"We wouldn't have gotten very far if that wasn't the case. We've survived imposing nebulae before. We'll survive this one. You'll see."

"I'm glad someone around here isn't a doomsayer, Miss Kavar. Thanks."

"Amanda."

He nodded, and broke a smile. "Amanda."

* * *
Kashar's Inlet

Kashar's Inlet was a shimmering area of space, almost completely surrounded by the Gulf's clouds of gases and dust. The orange and yellow nebula glowed with radiance from the single pulsar at the Inlet's heart, all that remained of a star that had collapsed millions of years ago. A single hyperspace window opened dangerously near to this pulsar, its distinctive signals being obscured by the pulsar's intense rays. Out of the window was revealed the Khar-Elaat, ready to begin its search for the elusive Gaar-Balhi.

Agent Riif was occupying a seat on the bridge, awaiting Lieutenant LiirHra's report.

"Hyperspace jump complete. Helm, verify our position," the Lieutenant ordered.

"We've arrived at Kashar's Inlet, 84 AU's from Pulsar QX-949."

"Sensors, what contacts do you read?"

The sensor crewman examined his instruments. "Reading a small Imperialist task force on the nebula boundary. Can't tell at this range."

"Very well," Riif stated. "Proceed on reconnoitter route A."

"Aye, setting course."

The sleek frigate turned onto her new course, and moved off in the direction of the enemy fleet.

"New telemetry coming in. I'm reading a carrier, numerous strike craft, and a frigate squadron. Two Turanic Raider HK frigates are in the area as well."

"Decrease to three quarters, set systems to passive."

"Aye."

A moment of quiet passed. Then, the communications operator looked up.
"I'm picking up a repeating Imperialist message. It's adressed to the taskforce. It reads: "Fleet Detactment, priority message from Commodore Hasari, Imperial Fralon Command. Deploy all fighters along encoded route immediately, wreckage of scuttled envoy ship located. Fleet will rendezvous at your position in four days. Message ends."

"What's the coordinates?"

"Getting them decoded now..."

The navigational coordinates appeared on Riif's monitor.

"LiirHra, take us to these coordinates at once."

"As you wish. Helm, make your course three-two-two mark seven-four. Maintain speed."

"Three-two-two mark seven-four, aye," the helmsman replied.

"How often does the message repeat, Petty Officer?"

"Every fifty seconds, ma'am. Obviously a means of overpowering the nebula's interference. I assume it's been playing for awhile, since the carrier hasn't deployed any fighters."

"Very well. Looks like Sajuuk has blessed our journey," Riif smiled.

"But not the journey of the Gaar-Balhi," LiirHra muttered.

* * *
The Gulf

The Turanic Raider frigate continued on her lone quest to bring down the Gaar-Balhi. Such warships were notorious in the Great Wastelands and other areas, the torpedo-armed warships having long replaced the Ion Array Frigates that had terrorized Hiigaran shipping since Landfall. In a nebula such as the Gulf, ion weapons were useless. The frigate's captain knew that destroying or even disabling a Hiigaran capital ship brought with it a substantial bounty, but the Gaar was a special prize in her own right. Attacking at any time was useless, because the warship could run full out and outrun the older Raider ship. But now... the destroyer's EM aspect was shifting... her engines slowing...

"The destroyer is preparing to turn," a crewman announced.

"Arm torpedo tubes and prepare to fire," the captain ordered.

Turanic Raider frigates usually ran with their weapons loaded at all times. Such was especially the case with hunter/killer frigates. The result was substantially reduced response time. A response the ship's crew was about to make. The doors over the frigate's torpedo tubes slid open, and the tubes charged up.

"Torpedo tubes armed," the ship's second-in-command reported.

"Plot a firing solution and prepare to fire."

The Gaar-Balhi was slowly decellerating for her turn. Little did Soban and her crew realize the Raiders had them in their sights. The destroyer's narrow, tall form moved through the nebula like a great sea monster, her windows and engines providing the only luminence aside from the faint star several lightyears away.

Her once-pristine blue livery was now disrupted in areas by white panels taken from the wrecked Taiidani cruiser, and complemented by black scorch marks where the damage wasn't enough to compromise her composite armor.

The Gaar's cluster of five engines, sitting on the ship's horizontal drivetail, were the primary target, as was always the case for a Raider attack. Like all Hiigaran ships the Triumphant-class destroyer's bridge was on the starboard side. This was the Raider's second target, and would be exposed once the starship entered her turn.

"Firing solution's locked in," a crewman announced nonchalantly.

He allowed himself a sadistic smile as the order left his lips. "Fire."

The Raider frigate unleashed its deadly payload, and waited.

* * *
Senior Chief Somtaaw was quietly contemplating as he sat at the sensor station. The past few days had been chaotic, to say the least. A ping on his console then shattered Somtaaw's train of thought. He immediately snapped to action.

"Faint sensor contact, bearing niner-two mark one-five!"

"Right behind us," Soban muttered under her breath. "Range?"

"Contact is closing fast. Reading..." Somtaaw's blood went cold. He recognized the signature immediately. "Torpedoes! Torpedoes inbound!"

Soban wasted no time. This was no situation for the young Sublieutenant Kavar to be handling. "Be advised, I'm taking direct command of the bridge. Prepare for evasive action, and sound general quarters."

"Aye, Captain," Kavar replied. She went to the comm panel. "General quarters, general quarters! All hands man your battle stations. This is no drill."

Two powerful ship-killer torpedoes shot through the orange haze, leaving bright ion trails behind them. They closed on the Gaar-Balhi fast.

"Evasing heading, Captain?" the helmsman requested with a hint of fear.

"Steady as she goes... Kavar stand by on countermeasures."

Soban watched the two contacts close on the holodisplay.

"Range: 350,000 klicks and closing fast!" Somtaaw warned.

Soban waited for the right moment. It would have to be perfect, or the ship's engines were were doomed. She then found the mark.

"Range: 150,000 klicks!"

"Engines hard to port! Release countermeasures!" Soban commanded.

The massive destroyer lurched hard into the turn, swinging her narrow mass around. A salvo of powerful EM emitters shot from the stern, moving quickly away from the Gaar-Balhi. The torpedoes seemed to not budge, a fact that terrorized Kavar.

"Shut down the engines."

"Engines offline, aye," the helmsman replied.

The Gaar's engines began their shutdown sequence as the torpedoes entered visual range. Before they could even fully shut down, the torpedoes started to lag. They then collided with the countermeasures, exploding violently.

The detonation was seen on the bridge by a massive flash of light that illuminated the nebula for a split second.

"Torpedo missed."

Soban didn't even give herself time to catch her breath. "Can we figure out where the attacker is?"

"Negative, Captain. They're nowhere on sensors," Somtaaw responded.

"Find them."

"Aye, Captain."

"Helm, adjust course to three-two-zero mark four-five."

"Three-two-zero mark four-five, aye," the helmsman replied.

The Gaar-Balhi maneuvered on thrusters as the Raider frigate continued on her original heading, unable to locate her prey. With both vessels on silent running, neither could detect each other.

* * *
"What do you mean we missed?" the Raider captain raged.

"I mean we missed," the XO remarked.

"Well, fire again!" the captain sneered.

"Could if we didn't lose their signal. The bastard's sharp."

"Reading a faint EM burst," the sensor crewman muttered. "Bearing nine-three mark one-six."

"Adjust course and reload! Thrusters only."

"Should we prepare to fire then?"

The captain looked sternly at his monitor. "Not yet."

* * *
"Reading a faint EM flux, bearing seven-six mark three-one-four," Somtaaw advised. "Could be a thruster turn."

Soban rubbed her eyes, and walked over to Commander Nabaal. "Arm main batteries. Don't charge the barrels until I give the word."

"Aye, Captain," her XO replied. Nabaal then ordered the fire control crew through their task.

Kavar walked up.

"Captain?"

"I'm alright, Lieutenant."

"You look exhausted is all."

Soban nodded, but knew better. She got enough rest every night, but the stress of constantly being on the run was getting to her. "We can all rest after we get out of this damn nebula."

"Weapons armed, but not ready," Nabaal reported.

"Somtaaw?"

"Still reading a faint EM signature, Captain. Bearing one-zero mark two-one," Somtaaw reported.

"Nabaal, prepare to launch one more countermeasure pod. I have an idea."

Nabaal nodded in response. "Yes, Captain. What do you have in mind?"

"Release, and set timer for fifteen seconds."

Nabaal looked to a crewman, who complied. The destroyer released a countermeasure pod, which drifted deeper into the nebula as the Gaar-Balhi turned off.

"Helm, make your course one-two mark niner-zero."

* * *
"They aren't here," the frigate captain muttered. "You're chasing sensor ghosts!"

"I can't do much better than that," the crewman replied.

The captain grabbed him by the collar. "You'd better figure out a way. Bring us about!"

The Raider frigate swiveled around on thrusters. A long and utilitarian design, the frigate had eight small fusion drives, all of which were useless in such a cat-and-mouse game. The only remarkable thing about her design was the tall bridge tower overlooking the aft section, similar to the ancient Ion Array Frigate. Unlike that vessel, the HK had no array attachments. Like all Raider ships of the day, the axe-like Raider insignia was painted rather hastily on the side.

"What are you reading?"

"Some faint EM activity dead ahead."

"Those sneaky Exiles tried to get the drop on us. Fire at will!"

The Raider frigate lashed out with two torpedoes. The ordinance zipped in at the beacon. One hit, obliterating it. The other went ballistic, and flew off.

"Reading an impact."

"Prepare another spread."

The corsairs didn't see what lurked in the orange mist behind them. The Gaar-Balhi came out of a sharp turn, settling in behind them like a Triikor cat stalking her prey.

"Firing solution locked," Nabaal announced.

Soban took a deep breath. "Fire main batteries."

The massive destroyer unleashed her main guns in a blinding volley. Shells impacted against the frigate with blinding force, ripping into the Raider vessel relentlessly. Her engines shattered from the impacts, and hull ripped open, exposing decks to space. The Raider captain, bleeding and knowing his ship was now doomed, hit the communications panel. At least he would be remembered for his heroism.

"Captain, the Raider ship is sending a burst transmission, extremely high power!" the communications chief alerted.

Too late to do anything, as the Raider frigate tore to shreds and exploded violently as her torpedo magazine detonated. Soban shook her head in disgust.

"What does the transmission read?"

"It's complete coordinates for our position, as well as a vague ship status. Not much..."

"But enough to alert the Imperials and those aliens to our course. Kavar, take the bridge. Resume our course through the nebula."

"Aye, Captain," the Officer-of-the-Watch replied.

"I'll be in my office."

At that, Commander Soban slowly exited the bridge. Kavar watched her move through the blast doors, until her narrow frame disappeared entirely. Nabaal stood by the subordinate.

"She's about had it. And Sajuuk knows I can't run this boat without her."

"I suggest we have the Doctor look at her, Commander. The Zephon's causalties are stabilized now."

Nabaal looked at her. "I'll do that."

Finished reading,. and I must say, a Damn Fine chapter Ra. Loving the split of the plot into sub plots, enjoying this a lot. Interesting, Evil Aliens now have Hyperspace, curious...

MORE!!!!

Great story Ra!!!! Keep them coming.

Hey, guys, sorry for not having this up sooner. Shit happens.

Just an aside for the military people on the board, have I been getting things right regarding the Naval Chain of Command and stuff aboard the Gaar-Balhi, and do you guys have any suggestions? I want things to be accurate, and I'll make corrections when polishing things up for the final draft. But I needn't get ahead of myselves. Still have to wrap this story up!

Anyway, here is:

Chapter Five - "The Gloaming"

The Gaar-Balhi - 35 million kilometers from Kashar's Inlet

Situation Report 3.01 - Commander Valery Soban
Our journey through the nebula has been wrought by frequent encounters with enemy forces and even an encounter with an alien race that has my very reputation as an officer of the Hiigaran Navy on the line. Now, with the recent attack of a Turanic Raider frigate and its relaying of our coordinates, most of my crew expect the Imperialists to send everything they have. I, on the other hand, think they'll play a waiting game. It fits the current Imperial strategy, and fits right into stopping our mission.

Ship and crew are performing excellent, given the circumstances. While our patched armor still won't hold up to much, it's better than it was. Our engines have also held despite using accelerator components from a fifty-year old Republic cruiser. Commander Nabaal has reported very little problems with the crew thusfar, most of them have being handled by himself and the ship's chaplain. Even so, it's understandable that many people are losing hope and becoming very tense. It's one thing to know death is upon oneself, but when that death is prolonged, one starts to lose it over time. What was a determination to face death and do one's best becomes a brooding fear of it.

Anyway... we are now within 35 million klicks of Kashar's Inlet, just over a day's travel. I sincerely worry that we'll die within sight of our objective, as unacceptable an outcome as this is. I've been struggling to come up with an alternative, but there are no other jump points outside the highly charged gases of the nebula. Any attempt to jump in the charged nebula, and our quantum-waveform will dephase. Put simply, we'll disintegrate.

* * *
Sublieutenant Kavar was just starting her day aboard the Gaar-Balhi, softly humming an old kiith song to herself as she navigated the ship's drab corridors. The ship's wide, gray bulkheads contrasted with Kavar's slim figure and brown officer's uniform. Walking around a corner was Viir Loraan, who noticed her and came up.

"Been looking for you, Amanda."

"Sorry, I've been busy. How's your new assignment going?
"
"Working at reactor control isn't exactly my line of expertise, but it's better than lying on a bunk all day."

They continued walking on.

"You understand why we can't have civilians at the helm, of course."

"Yes, it's forbidden under Navy regulations," Loraan replied humorously.
"But after this experience, I think the Republic Navy would be happy to have you."

"And put up with more hacks like Evret?"

They both laughed, and Kavar put a hand on his shoulder. She then looked at him.

"Seriously, though."

He looked back at her. "I might consider it. How long you been in the Hiigaran Navy?"

"I'm going on my second year now. If you're talking about previous work, I was the astrogation plotter on my family's freighter. Basically grew up aboard it."

Kavar had lost her brother and several other family members when the Turanic Raiders attacked the freighter. Her mother, the Captain, resisted their boarding attempts, so the Raiders destroyed it. What members of her crew that could make it ran to the escape pods, and drifted through space for hours. Then, a Hiigaran Navy frigate picked them up, and cared for the family crew until they reached a base and a proper Naval medical station.

The kindness and professionalism of the Hiigaran Navy influenced the young girl, just as much as her brother as he tried to defend the ship from the ruthless marauders, and was brutally shot and mutilated in retaliation. His body was never recovered. Loraan noticed from her saddening eyes that she preferred not to talk about it, and moved on.

"Been working for the government courier service most of my career, though I did fly some civilian ships on Taiidan. The traffic over the Capital is crazy."

She nodded. "You should see the air traffic over Assam Kiith'sid."

"How bad is it?"

"It's a city of 35 million people, Viir. There must be thousands of orbital shuttles flying around every hour. And I'm not going into the hovercar traffic. The old Mothership station, civilian spacedocks, they all bring lots of traffic."

"The Mothership is still in orbit?"

"It's mostly a museum, not a shipyard like it was for decades. The Daiamid wants to move it off to a safer location, since we built the new Angel Moon Yards. They can build about twenty ships like this at a time. Far more than the one the Mothership could manage."

"Was this ship built here?"

"No, it was built in the Sarum Yard, one of the smaller facilities near the border."

"I see," Loraan nodded. He then looked over.

They rounded another corner, reaching the bridge blast doors.

"Well, I'd better get to the bridge."

Loraan nodded. A hint of disappointment showed in his eyes. "Alright."

She paused, and waited to see what was on his mind. Loraan looked into her sparkling brown eyes.

"You look nice, Amanda."

Kavar broke a smile. The previous shift's Officer-of-the-Watch, Sublieutenant Sagald, walked up.

"Going to relieve me, kid?" he asked.

"Sorry, just got caught up here."

"No problem."

She walked on, and waved.

"Bye."

Sagald stretched, and turned to Loraan.

"She's something, isn't she?"

Loraan smirked. "Yeah."

"Good thing I'm married. And on another shift," he remarked. "Just remember you're a technican for the moment, and that makes her your boss."

At that, Sagald went on. Loraan looked into the bridge, and caught a glimpse of Kavar instructing some crewmembers. He then walked down the corridor, going off to his own job in Engineering. As he did, Loraan wondered what was bothering the young officer. He didn't know of what Kavar had gone through, but from all indications it was something best left buried...

* * *
In the sick bay, Commander Soban was being put through several minor but infinitely annoying tests by one of the Gaar-Balhi's three doctors. She would much rather be on the bridge doing her job, not putting up with the Doctor's bad witicisms. Sick bay had been much improved since Soban last saw it, with the Zephon's casualties treated and discharged. It was now back to normal, a brightly lit room painted in white rather than the ubiquitous drab gray, and smelled of clean sheets, not blood and burned flesh.

"Are you almost done?" Soban complained.

"Almost," the Doctor replied as he continued his examination. He put down his medical scanner, and looked at her eyes. He then jotted down some notes on his datapad. "Overall, I'd say you're simply stressed. Of course, that's obvious for someone who's been trying to avoid an Imperialist fleet for nearly a week."

"So, did that require shining a bright light into my eyes, Doctor?" Soban half-joked.

"The fact that it bothers you says something, Captain. Sensitivity to light, irritability... You haven't been getting enough sleep lately, and haven't been eating at all for two days. Not good signs on your part."

"Haven't really had time to eat."

"You need to make the time, Captain."

"So, who suggested I go through a medical exam?"

"Your XO, and Sublieutenant Kavar. They were worried about your health."

"I see. Well, Kavar is a good kid. She always cares about me, despite the fact that I'm her commander."

"From what I've seen, Kavar considers you a friend, almost family."

"She lost some of her family as a child. Never even had a sister, I can see why she thinks that. Poor kid."

"You don't even have a family."

"I have my Kiith brothers and sisters, Doctor. The Gray Brotherhood is a closer-knit group than you seem to think."

"True. But do you ever miss... your Kaaleli family?"

Soban looked down. "Sometimes. Especially my mother. She left when I was young, I used to sneak off to see her as a child. Then there was my brother, Yesif. He was so funny... There were others, as well."

"You should probably visit them again, someday. Just because you left the Kiith doesn't mean they automatically hate you."

"True... Well, what's the good news?"

"Well, you've kept your PT up, and drink lots of water. That helps. However; you're pushing yourself too hard. I may have to order you to take a day off."

Soban shook her head. "Impossible. We have to-"

"Commander Nabaal can take command in the interim. I don't see why you should further stress yourself."

"Nabaal is in no position to be running this ship, Doctor, especially while the Imperials are after us. In less than forty-eight hours, we will be at Kashar's Inlet."

The Doctor remained adamant. "Fourty-eight hours you can get some sleep. You're risking the crew by continuing in this condition."

Soban was getting frustrated. She couldn't be forced off-duty this late in the game. "You don't even realize what's going on, do you? You have no clue."

The Doctor simply smirked, and continued taking notes. "I know that-"

The intercom toned. General quarters, general quarters. All hands man your battle stations. This is no drill.

Soban hopped off the examination bed and strode out the door. "Duty calls, Doctor."

"I'm not done! And my orders stand."

"Fuck your order, Doc. Put me on report if you like," she called back humorously, not even looking back.

"Damn it, why does a battle happen every time I'm in the middle of an examination?"

One of the Taiidani medics walked up next to him. "Is she always like this, sir?"

"Absolutely. Captain LiirHra wasn't nearly this... unique."

* * *
Soban marched onto the crimson-lit bridge, snapping her tunic sleeves closed. "Status report, Lieutenant."

The air was humid, and uncomfortable. It was the humidity caused by tension. The bridge was quite tense, and with good reason.

Kavar walked up from the holodisplay. "We're reading anomalous readings, Captain. The distortions match those of the alien cruiser."

"Position?"

"They're holding position 50,000 klicks off our starboard aft, Captain," Somtaaw responded.

"In perfect position to vape us," Nabaal muttered. "Should we begin evasive action?"

"Negative. They want our attention, obviously. They're close enough for us to read their inertialess drive signature, and they know it. Somtaaw, so we don't keep worrying about 'anomalies', record signatures as the warship drive."

"Aye, Captain."

"And send an active scan pulse. Let them know we can see them."
Somtaaw finished recording the signature, and complied. "Active tracking on."

A moment passed. Soban's eyes fell upon the holodisplay. Then, the signature began to move. Rapidly.

"That got their attention! They're coming right for us."
"Stop scanning."

Somtaaw punched a button. The sleek alien cruiser darted dangerously close the the Gaar-Balhi, moving at intense speed. It then shot to port, flying a loop around the Hiigaran ship before matching speed off her starboard bow. Soban could barely make out the dark silhouette through the bridge windows, its dark form blocking out what little light was coming from the Inlet far ahead.

"Raise them," Soban commanded.

"Aye, Captain, switching to alien frequency..." the chief replied. He then paused. "They are not responding."

Soban glanced at the holodisplay, and then slowly turned to the bridge windows in despair. Then her skin crawled as the alien warship spun about, and seemingly came to face her personally.

"They're coming about!" Somtaaw yelled.

"By the grace of Sajuuk..." Soban whispered.

* * *
Hasari's Strike Force - 19 million kilometers from Kashar's Inlet

Commodore Hasari was standing on the bridge of his destroyer, gazing out at the gloomy expanse of the nebula. He took a shot of paafel, a strong Taiidani whiskey, and waited. He'd been doing this for awhile now, and his rude demeanor showed it. The crew was noticeably hushed, as they knew better than to disturb their flag officer and political leader. After all, Imperialist flag officers were in essence rulers unto themselves, their ships striking fear into what systems the Imperialists could hold onto.

Like his nemesis, Hasari had been losing sleep. He wanted the Gaar-Balhi. It was all he thought about. He wanted to haul its burnt hulk back to his lords, and he wanted the head of its Captain, a faceless enemy that had avoided his every move, vanquished all the forces that he had been able to present. Now, as his forces moved toward Kashar's Inlet, he waited. Hasari knew the time was at hand. He knew the cunning Hiigaran couldn't hide in the nebula forever, and that they had the Envoy and his information to deliver. He knew they were coming...

"Sir, we're picking up a transmission from the nebula," the female ensign reported.

"Patch it."

"It's a burst transmission, Raider frequencies." She looked up in surprise. "It's positional and status data on the Exile ship!"

"What?" Hasari demanded, unable to believe his own ears.

"Downloading into astrogation computers... The ship has taken heavy damage. Apparently our lost bomber force did some damage," the destroyer captain indicated.

"Good... good. What else?"

The ensign chuckled. "The Exiles are using parts of a wrecked attack crusier to patch up the damage."

"Using obsolete armor pieces. My, they are desperate. We have their locations?"

"Complete scans, sir. Shall I download to our infiltration forces?"
"Obviously. What's their position?"

"As of the transmission, they were 42 million klicks from the Inlet. Bearing three-four-one mark one-zero."

"Realign our forces accordingly, Captain."

"Yes, sir."

Hasari turned back to the window, and smiled at his own reflection. "Looks like the gods have smiled upon us this day."

* * *
The Khar-Elaat

The bridge of the Khar-Elaat was dead quiet, and the air was cold due to the high-capacity cooling systems needed to keep the ship's classified machinery from overheating. Agent Riif was sitting on her personal command chair, reading a book. Lieutenant Ferriil walked up, holding a datapad. She didn't even look up at him. Ferriil may have been in intelligence, and he respected his civilian commander, but Ferriil certainly didn't trust Riif. He had no reason to. She was beyond arrogant, and apathetic. Nevertheless, she was in charge of this mission, and it was his job to obey her.

"Find anything besides more space dust, Ferriil?" Riif asked between pages.

"We've detected the main Imperialist force heading for Kashar's Inlet. Looks like a destroyer and several frigates. By several, I mean two squadrons or more. They're moving at flank speed."

"Obviously moving in to intercept the Gaar-Balhi once she emerges. At flank, they should reach it in a few hours. Do you have anything at all on the Gaar-Balhi?"

"Not really. We've been searching their likely approach vectors, and still nothing. There may be a possibility that she was destroyed."

Riif put the book down, and shook her head. "They're out here, Lieutenant. I'm not accepting failure just yet."

"What do we do once they are found?"

"Simple. We take the envoy, mimic, and return to the Inlet at top speed."

Ferriil was understandably surprised. "We're not... escorting the Gaar-Balhi home?"

Riif chuckled at her assistant's sympathy. "No, we abandon the fools to their fate. Our mission is to return the Envoy to Hiigara, not rescue an incompetent captain and her lost starship."

"Right. So, what do we do if the Gaar-Balhi is captured?"

"Leave that to me, Ferriil. This ship has been training for and conducting just that kind of mission for years."

"Very well. I'll have-"

"Agent Riif, I'm picking up a Turanic Raider burst transmission," the sensor chief alerted.

"Decode it at once."

"Aye. It's... information on the Gaar-Balhi! Navigational coordinates, and a vague vessel status."

"Apparently one of their ships had a run in with our prize. Lay in the coordinates, and proceed. I want that vessel status on my desk within the hour."

"As you wish," Ferriil replied.

* * *
Koziir System

Admirals Paktu and Kadriis, as well as Commodore S'jet were gathered around the Eheb-San's holodisplay, along with other ship officers and the carrier's CAG. The carrier's bridge was alive with activity, with crewmembers and officers moving back and forth. The air was buzzing with the voices of crewmembers and the hum of machinery.

"With the help of Lieutenant Wilaam, my people have been able to analyze the data gained from the Imperialist frigate," Commodore S'jet began. "From that, we've been able to determine the Gaar-Balhi's maximum jump range."

Paktu adjusted his collar. It seemed to never fit anymore. "And?"
"From the time of the battle, the Gaar's core would have been about 75% charged. That limits her to this area," S'jet replied, pointing to a circle on the displayed starmap.

"What's in that area?"

"Two Nomaeran systems, the Jeraal System, where they came from, and a large nebula along our border."

"From your emphasis, I guess you think Soban took the nebula. Well, Soban is a wild woman, but she isn't insane," Paktu countered.

"Admiral, it's the only location that fits the facts. The Gaar-Balhi's core would have needed over ten minutes to recharge, and possibly longer since she made two rapid, high-energy jumps. Another, and the core would melt."

"In other words," Kadriis nodded, "she had no choice. We've hidden in the nebula before, on extreme occasions. It's uncharted, and considered dangerous. In fact, the Taiidan Republic bans all of its traffic from going through the nebula."

"I think everyone's starting to go mad," Paktu muttered. "We've had enough dealings with nebulas for Sajuuk's sake. What does the Nomaeran Defense Force know of this nebula?"

"As I said, it's mostly uncharted," Kadriis replied. He then scrolled the map closer into the nebula, bringing up an area of gas. Inserting a data card, the area faded to a charted void. "However, there is a santuary we used during our war with the Imperialists. Kashar's Inlet. It was named after Fleet Admiral Yssa Kashar, our most famed war heroine. She found the Inlet, and fought the Imperials from there."

"You think Soban has knowledge of the Inlet?"

"The Republic knows about it. And guess who the Gaar-Balhi is escorting?"

"Point taken," Paktu responded. His wrinkled face tensed. "Officer-of-the-Watch, prepare the fleet to jump to Kashar's Inlet."

"We'll need to jump inside the pulsar's shadow, unless you want an ambush. That's nearly a day's journey at flank speed," Kadriis warned.

"We could get there in under half that time, Admiral," the CAG boasted.

"Yeah, Commander, and the Imperial interceptors and PD guns would cut you to pieces."

The CAG grinded his teeth when Kadriis wasn't looking.

"We'll provide you with the coordinates. You have any heavy forces, Admiral?"

"Both of our battlecruisers are off on presence missions, won't be back for months. We have three destroyers, two more deployed. Not counting the one we're looking for, of course."

"Anyway, the Jhaal will provide fire support. The Imperials won't be so eager to dance with us. It goes without saying that the destroyers will come in handy. Any one of them could play for the Gaar-Balhi once she emerges. The trick is how to pull it off."

"Which we'll figure out in time. For now, let's get back to our ships and get this mission underway. We jump at 1945 hours."

* * *
The Gaar-Balhi - 33 million kilometers from Kashar's Inlet

The Gaar-Balhi now had her engines cut off, and was essentially blockaded by the powerful alien cruiser. Commander Soban waited for the inevitable. The alien ship was facing them down like a dark specter, a nameless predator stalking them through the gaseous maroon fog.

"The alien ship is taking no action," Somtaaw muttered.

"They didn't attack before," Soban remarked. "They're trying to figure out our intentions. What activity are you reading from the cruiser?"

"They've been conducting low-intensity scans the entire time, Captain."

"Can you identify where?"

"Negative."

The communications chief spoke up. "Captain, I'm recieving a transmission from the alien ship."

Nabaal glanced over in surprise.

Soban brushed some hair from over her eyes. "It's about time. How much cleaning up does it need?"

The chief shook his head in disbelief. "None. I'm patching it through now."

A moment of dead quiet followed. Static hissed out of the speakers, then a calm voice spoke. It was lighter than a Human voice, but decidedly male.

I am Lord Jov'vak of the Devtiir Empire, he slowly introduced. We have extracted lingual information from your vessel's brain, for the purpose of contact. The information you provided on the quantum-waveform energy device has been analyzed, and placed in our libraries. You have our sincere gratitude for this. However, we must inquire why you have done this?

Soban sighed in relief, and stepped over to the communications console.

Kavar looked over. "Captain, they've been extracting data from our computers? I don't like the sound of this."

"Neither do I, Kavar, but we only have one chance of getting out of this." Soban then nodded at the comm chief. "This is Captain Valery Soban. I command this ship, the Ghar-Balhi. I'm pleased that you have understood the data on our hyperspace core. We did this as a gesture of friendship and good will, on behalf of the Hiigaran Republic. All we ask in return is safe passage to the pulsar near here."

Captain Valery Soban, your answer is acceptable. However, we do not understand why you, identical beings to the Taiidan and Tobar invaders, claim peace. You are trespassing on our domain, as are the Taiidan invaders.

"Lord Jov'vak, we're fleeing the Taiidan. They are trying to take a special passenger we're carrying, and this nebula made a prime hiding spot. We had no knowledge of you or your territory, and I appologize."

We have no concern with your clearly internal conflict, Captain Valery Soban. However, we grant you, and you only, safe passage through our space. That was decided by the Empress.

"Thank you."

Nabaal walked up. "They certainly don't trust our species."

"I know," Soban replied, putting a finger to her lips.

To be better friends, you must first understand us. We, the Devtiir, have lived in this nebula for ages. Until 300 years ago, we had no contact with any life from outside. Our civilization has been constant for over 8,000 years, since a unified government formed on our homeworld. During that time, our society has flourished, but has always been restricted due to the travel time between the six stars of our Empire.

"With hyperspace, you'll be able to travel between systems in seconds. You could perhaps even construct hyperspace gates to allow normal ships to travel more easily. Our civilization is not nearly as old as yours, but we do have a rich history. Our people were exiled several thousand years ago, and we have only returned to our world within the last several generations."

I see. To the point, we came for one purpose. To thank you for your help, Captain Valery Soban. With this new device, we will inagurate a new era for the Empire. We have been instructed by the Empress to present you with a gift.

The comm chief looked over his console. "Receiving a burst transmission... it's some sort of cultural database."

"You have our thanks, as well, Lord Jov'vak. I hope this will lead to a better peace between us."

As do I. We will depart, and leave you to your journey. May you be blessed.

The Devtiir cruiser swiveled around, and began to move off slowly. Then, it zipped off at high speed.

"I don't like this," Nabaal muttered. "They did all that posturing, and were so completely suspicious just to give us a gift. It may be their way, but that just doesn't seem believable."

"No, I agree with you, XO. They're up to something. I want that thing they uploaded kept in a quarantene file for now."

"I'm just worried they'll be back," Kavar added.

"Indeed. Kavar, get us back on course."

"Aye, Captain."

"Whatever they gave might be very interesting, but I'm not risking anything now."

The Gaar-Balhi's cluster of engines flared to life, and the sleek destroyer sailed off on course, once again moving deeper into the murky expanses of the Gulf. The Devtiir cruiser sat off out of sensor range, and kept a close eye on its "charge".

* * *
Koziir System

The Hiigaran 9th Fleet, what little bit of it was being sent, was gathering near the beautiful planet of Koziir II, the starships moored on the edge of the planet's shimmering rings. The Eheb-San and her assembled ships - two frigate squadrons, three destroyers, and support vessels; were formed up and ready to jump. The Nomaeran taskforce, formed around the Jhaal, was also assembled.

Admiral Paktu was back in his office, tying things up in preparation for the jump to Kashar's Inlet. The entire ship seemed alive, as it always did before an important mission. Paktu saw this entire operation as a rescue mission, saving a valued officer and her crew from Imperialist scum. That changed when his console beeped.

Admiral, a coded transmission for you has arrived from the Taiidani Admiralty.

"Put it through."

The message blipped onto his monitor. Paktu examined the message, and began to feel sick. This incident was far bigger than it first seemed.

"Secret envoy, urgent intelligence, I know that... Wait. What the hell?"

Paktu put on his tunic, and proceeded to the bridge. Looked like he would need more than a rescue fleet to pull this off.

Soban should be shot, the woman's an idiot. Giving those aliens the hyperspace core was an unacceptable risk for a single Destroyer. She made an oath to the Hiigaran people THEN her ship, not the other way around.

I guess that's that, then. If it's that bad...
- Ra

It is that bad. Could you imagine, say, a US SSBN giving a bunch of nukes to North Korea in exchange for being allowed to leave their territorial waters or somesuch? Gah, the captain would be nailed to the White House door.

-edit-

Oh, sorry, btw, I love the fic, it's great. Soban should just get nailed to the wall as soon as she gets home. Other than that, it's great, and looks like an interesting storyline.

Well, it still reveals a bad problem. I intended Soban to be the great heroine, the person people root for to win, not someone they want to murder in a brutal fashion, a la Janeway.

I'll have to iron that problem out once the final version is in the works. Obviously that means a major re-write on my part.

Truly, she's not supposed to be stupid, but that was a big blooper on my part. I didn't really know how to introduce the Evil Nebual Aliens™ and have the crew get around them, since conflict was kind of a lose-lose situation. The aliens have much more powerful weapons, and a secret superweapon I haven't even shown yet. Any suggestions on how to increase Soban's gray-matter count are welcome.
- Ra

Have the aliens capture the ship, and start ripping apart the computer in a boarding action or something. Soban exercises a clever escape (the only reason she wasn't destroyed a long time ago is because of their interest in the hyperdrive tech,) and makes it out of the nebula. We are not treated as to just why the ship bothers boarding them or scannin the computers or whatever until Soban makes it back to base; there, some technician says

"The data they accessed..." (Duh duh DAAAAA!) "The hyperspace core." (Bumbuuuuuuuuuuuum.....)

Excellent idea, Thirdfain, I appreciate the help. You think I should update it now, or just wait?
- Ra

Wait, finish the next part of the story and then do it. You have me hanging by my teeth with that ending. Love it, love it, love it!!

Got it. I'm thinking of just eliminating the whole Devtiir thing in the final version, since it contributes little to the plot, IMNSHO. That'll also allow me to focus on the political macinations of the Nomaerans.

I've already made my decision, so don't try and save the damned aliens. Besides, this story is in the anticlimax, really. You wouldn't have been seeing much of the Devtiir again regardless.
- Ra