Timeships in orbit above the planet Oum At the height of the Republic, dozens of the golden-hulled vessels could be found basking in Ban’s light, drifting far above the Grotto. During Pil-aeon, only timeships had the capability to carry heavy cargo or large groups of passengers at lightspeed. But the Pil-shards woven into their integument ensured that each visit also delivered the voice and vision of the Republic. For the so-called tacit peripheries, contracting a timeship was a risky proposition.