I posted something like this in a different thread, but I think it would be more relevant here.

Instead of being able to phase jump directly, I think the Vasari Rebel Orky should be able to collapse itself into a frigate-sized ship which is capable of moving between grav wells.  This "frigate" would have no weapons and fairly low health.  When it gets to the new territory, it could reassemble itself.  This reassembly process would take time, which would increase with the number of upgrades it has received (though it would be faster than building a new SB and buying the same number of upgrades).  During the reassembly process, the Orky would be vulnerable, and would need a certain level of support to ensure its safety. You could have multiple disassembled Orkies in a system, but only one would be able to revert to a SB.

The model for the frigate could be just the sphere part of the current Orky design, so developing the art assets shouldn't be difficult.

Why dont remove jumping ability at all.  part with sb upgrade is ok but part with fleet supply is bad idea

Your final solution finaly blows

nope.

It ruins VR's unique one.  It needs some countermeasures or nerf others for nerfing orky.

Asking for that fleet supply is indeed going over the top, if you got to give up on 2 more capships to field the SB, its just a trade-off, not racial specific advantage like Dual Starbases, Global Unity, Shipboard Labs or TAR...

I think the idea of Starbase Engines as the upgrade for Orkulus instead of one of the existing upgrades, or as second level of one of them, is the one, which are the devs going to choose.

Alternatively, they could make the SB capable only to jumping to your own or allied gravwells, not enemy ones, while the current functionality would be kept as it is. EDIT> Boxbot, you beat me to it

Maybe Orkys can only jump using phase stabilizers?  This way they could still be used offensively with a Kostra Cannon or the right capital ship abilities.

I think this is slightly better than the "only jump to friendly planets" suggestion.

Yeah, that would be viable alternative too,  but it would mean that you can jump (without using Kostura) only to your own gravwells (wuth phasegate)... that kinda ignores the whole cooperation theme of the Rebels, which possibilty of jumping to FRIENDLY wells - meant as those controlled directly by not only you, but your allies as well - encompasses.

on other hand, i like the idea, that you would be able to jump to enemy gravwell as well, but it would require Kostura - i like this kind of things, when you have to combine some of your stuff to get new possibilities...this would give the player incentive to build Kostura as well....

There isn't enough space in the menu of the SB's upgrades for that.

Make it the second upgrade for the Phase Stabilizer node or make it a new upgrade that replaces colony pods.  Either way, you're sucking up precious spaces on your Orky.

The idea that a specific module is replacing the tech upgrade is worse than the problem as it makes all VR orkulus inferior. Personally, I consider making the tech higher level and requiring offensive deployement the best solution, as it avoids rushes keeping the specific advantage. If VR survives the early stages, it can thus deploy its speciality against other players.

Which besides is a hefty activity, and reduces fleet availability: thus already balanced outside rush situations.

Agreed.  Right now, the Orky is basically a second titan.  At least this way would make it a sub-titan.