The
trade routes established by the Bentusi cover a large number
of worlds located on the outer rim of the galaxy. While the
trade routes are thick and plentiful through the galaxy's
outskirts, the number of routes that traverse the inner
galactic sphere are far fewer, and none extend so far as the
galactic core. In fact, Hiigara is among the closest to the
core of those systems covered. Given the plentiful resources
to be found in the inner sphere, it is curious that more of
the trade routes do not cover these regions. Many
explanations have been offered, but ultimately the Bentusi's
reasons remain their own. Even now, few travel too close to
the core -- of those who do, many do not return.
This
is Bentus, the great Bentusi "Harbor Ship", said
by Fleet Command to be the last of the Bentusi vessels. It
contains the First Core, or the Bentusi Core, the original
Progenitor artifact from which the Bentusi derived their
power.
According
to the History of Hiigara,
this is the same vessel that defeated Sajuuk's Wrath
and the Hiigaran Fleet in the First Time and forcibly
disarmed the Hiigarans, eventually leading to the Exile. As
such, it is more than 4,000 years old.
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