The 'nodes' on the back of the TGL's necks were (in my random imagination) a physical manifestation of the relationship between the human host and the spirit form. I wanted to create the sense these beings were alien, yet human in appearance, perhaps recently discovering or exploring the symbiotic alignment of their physical forms.
Let's try and play that back, I think I managed to confuse myself lol
In Freelancer, the Nomads were capable of subterfuge by 'implanting' human hosts with Nomad creatures. I thought the TGL would have a similar approach to life-force sharing, but would be much less invasive. The nodes merely indicated they had a host. They can be detached, and the spirit partner would still be 'attached' or 'communicate' with their human host through telepathy. However, the enhancement provided by the node would not be as strong, some of the residual power would remain, but not near the capacity had the host still be connected.
I hope that made 'some' sense!
I'm very happy to re-write any parts you feel don't align with your vision of the TGL. Tbh, I was getting impatient and wanted to move this part of the story along and I blame Code, personally, for making the TGL intervene at that point (j/k hon), it was all his idea to bring them into the story you see.
The cruiser was a logical step in my mind. For the TGL to bomb a semi-large area they would need a fairly large ship or advanced technology to do this. HK sent the pics you developed of their ships (very nice, I might add) and I decided, to support that kind of vessel, armament, troop capacity they would need a base. Ah hah! But the TGL are not a well-known entity in Sirius, therefore their base would have to go undetected for long periods of time. Ah hah! If this is true, they would either have a station, in some uncharted territory, stealth technology (no-no-no), or the ability to warp in and out of places (no-no-no). So, with that in mind, the base would need to be mobile. And so I thought of the Order and their base, a cruiser (or battleship? some large vessel anyway). A cruiser would have enough space for the sorts of things I mentioned and given it could be constantly on the move, would be much harder to detect and defend.
Yes, the mines would be dangerous for a cruiser (they could be destroyed but surely would alert a large Nomad force), but a dropship could negotiate them fairly easily.
So there's my wayward logic on the TGL's current assets (eep, sound like an accountant).
Now. If you want me to re-write any parts pls let me know. My portrayal of the TGL was purely for continuity (artifact, TGL bomb the Covenenant), character (the different approaches to interrogation from R&T and the gradual exploration of TGL psyche) and visual clarity purposes (for my own benefit lol), the scene isn't intrinsic to this particular story arc and could just as easily be covered by a shorter section where R&T get knocked out, and wake up with a data pad nearby.
Let me know soon though so I can get working on it and keep up the flow, heaven knows Code will pester me for an update otherwise lol