- "Scientific specialist and representative of Kiith S'jet. Quick select with F4." — In game description
The NBR-12A Science Team Baserunner is a Kiith S'jet-modified version of the Kiith Naabal-designed deployment vehicle used by the Coalition of the Northern Kiithid. A single one was deployed during the expedition Operation Khadiim, commanded by science officer Rachel S'jet.
Lore[]
The "Baserunner" expedition support vehicle was a reliable workhorse that was used to deploy sensors, turrets, minefields, and aerial drones. The vehicle was manned by a crew of ten. Most Kiithid also operated specialized variants of the baserunner.
Each Kiith military has its own version of the Baserunner. The S'jet are no exception. Leveraging their mastery of science, they have built upon the initial Naabal design to create a highly sophisticated science utility vehicle. Outfitted with an integrated onboard technology suite second only to those found aboard coalition capital ships, this baserunner has the power and ability to conduct full spectrum scans, hard data analysis, sub-surface exploration and rapid 3D projection modelling while out in the field. It has also been outfitted with a modified repair beam, adding to its already significant deployment value.
Campaign[]
Rachel S'jet is introduced as a science specialist with a modified variant of the baserunner that is equipped with sophisticated scientific equipment. She is overall in charge of artifact analysis, exploration and shipbreaking while also searching for her lost brother. Throughout the campaign, she discovers numerous artifacts which also aids in the expeditions progress and when she reaches Khar-Toba, she gains control of an Taiidan orbital satellite weapon with the help of her brother.
Rachel S'jet's survival is paramount throughout the campaign, and it is an expedition long, permanent object to ensure her survival. If her science baserunner is destroyed, it will result in mission failure. Thankfully, the science baserunner has significantly more hull strength than standard baserunners, and can effectively tank damage for significant amounts of time, particularly earlier in the campaign.
The science baserunner features few offensive capabilities, lacking the ability to deploy turrets or mines. The autocannon provides negligible defence against light attacks. However, its armor and hull far exceed that of a regular baserunner, allowing the crew to endure punishing attacks for far longer. Artillery cruisers and heavy railguns generally pose the most potent threat against Rachel's survival throughout the expedition.
The science baserunner features numerous abilities. Being the first to devise ship breaking plans, the science baserunner is the first vehicle to gain the ability to launch demolition charges that are manually detonated. The science baserunner replaces its drone pad with a repair beam to restore nearby friendly vehicles. While lacking drones, it still retains the capability to deploy scanners. Throughout the expedition, Rachel discovers ways to hack and hijack Gaalsien ships, including cruisers later on. During the attack on a Gaalsien base, the science baserunner gains the ability to launch EMP disruptors which disables (non-cruiser) enemy vehicles and base defenses for an extended period of time. In the final mission, the science baserunner links up with the Taiidan satellite weapon and configures it to fire a wide and focused beam strike to turn tide of the battle in the final showndown at Khar-Toba with K'had Sajuuk.
Abilities[]
Rachel S'jet can hack and commandeer Gaalsien production cruisers, which can then build Gaalsien hovercraft (advanced hack only). Any hacked regular units first need to return to the Kapisi to be fully converted and controllable. They can still be destroyed on the way. Once converted, they will count towards the fleet supply total but can exceed the cap.
Most abilities unlock after specific points in the campaign.
Name | Effect | Cooldown | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Deploy Scanner | Deploys a scanner | 10s | 25 CUs |
Demolition Charge | Launches a demolition charge | 1s | 25 CUs |
Repair | Repairs nearby friendly vehicles | 0s | None |
Hack/Advanced Hack | Takes control of an enemy vehicle | 60s | 75 RUs |
Launch EMP Disruptor | Disables enemy vehicles in an area | 120s | None |
Orbital Weapon - Broad | Fires a broad energy beam | 100s | None |
Orbital Weapon - Narrow | Fires a narrow energy beam | 140s | None |
Orbital Weapon firing modes will both go on cooldown when either one is used.
Research[]
There are several upgrades that can be research enhancing the science baserunners ability to repair and hack, as well as general upgrades to its hull and weapons.
Name | CU Cost | RU Cost | Time | Effect |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rachel S'jet - Repair Speed | 650 CUs | 0 RUs | 15s | Increase repair speed by 25% |
Rachel S'jet - Combat Upgrade | 750 CUs | 50 RUs | 20s | Increases hull and weapon damage by 25% |
Rachel S'jet - Support Upgrade | 1200 CUs | 300 RUs | 25s | Reduce resource cost of all support abilities by 50% |
Rachel S'jet - Repair Upgrade | 600 CUs | 25 RUs | 15s | Adds an area of effect to repair ability |
Rachel S'jet - Hack Upgrade | 800 CUs | 250 RUs | 15s | Hack can now control cruisers, turrets and turret control towers |
Rachel S'jet - Support Upgrade | 1200 CUs | 300 RUs | 25s | Reduces the cooldown of all her support abilities by 50% |
Rachel S'jet - EMP Damage | 500 CUs | 75 RUs | 30s | EMP ability will deal an additional 500 damage |
Trivia[]
- This baserunner debuted in the first cinematic of the first Homeworld game, seen approaching the Khar-Toba.
- The science baserunner was operated by a crew of eleven.