The GOK Alliance has a wide range of starships and maintains a small, independent fleet since their induction into the Federation. This fleet is generally referred to as the Interstellar Alliance Fleet (IAF). The starships of the IAF are called Living Ships, and for good reason - they are literally alive. Developed through a combination of Okinosian biotech, Kalaran computation, and Galdori engineering, the Living Ships are biological vessels which are grown more than built in shipyards around the territory. They are capable of some self repair, but catastrophic damage will kill them just as much as it would kill a humanoid. They have natural lifespans and deteriorate mentally and physically over time, an unintended result of their living state.
Living ships possess an animal-like intelligence based on instinct and emotion, which makes piloting them a unique challenge. The Alliance's academy, (the Interstellar Alliance Academy for Astronauts) chooses special individuals to become trained as ship pilots by forming a psionic connection to the vessel. The pilot acts as a conduit of the passenger’s intentions and helps the vessel coordinate movement, shields, weapons, and other important functions, while also communicating back to the passengers the ship’s needs - damaged systems, power drains, and such things. Because of their connection to such an alien mind as the ships possess, many pilots develop a greater mental capacity, physical and mental stamina, and the ability to stay awake for days at a time without ill effect.
As the size of Living Ships varies, so does their requirements for their pilots. The largest ships may have up to four pilots working simultaneously to coordinate ship functions, with pilots specializing in certain areas. The largest Living Ships have lifespans upwards of three centuries if not killed in battle and go through so many pilots that they don't form deep connections to any one individual. Smaller Living Ships such as shuttles and fighters have a much shorter lifetime, and will often only have a single pilot through their life, with whom they will form an inseparable bond. These ships will usually die if their pilot dies or retires.
Life support functions are provided by the ship, which converts waste products and cosmic/solar radiation into energy, and energy into breathable air and heat. While most regular functions are powered by this exchange of energies, the ships’ biological Warp Drives are powered by non-biological Antimatter Engines. Non-support ships have complex water recycling facilities alongside on-board green-spaces which produce fresh food and clean water for the crew and passengers, allowing for longer journeys than might otherwise be possible without replicators.
In military vessels, non-commissioned crew live in dormitory-like areas with ten or twenty bunks per room. Junior Officers’ quarters have 5 bunks per room, with only senior officers having private quarters.
The most notable ship classes of the IAF are listed below. Many other ship classes exist, of course, but won't be listed as that would take more space than we have here! Visually, most GOK Alliance vessels have a fairly similar shape, regardless of size. The ships’ shapes have been compared to sharks - an oval with a tapered nose and tapered end. Smaller vessels even have several fins that extend from the surface for stabilisation in atmospheric flight. The surface of the vessel is covered in organically flowing lines and patterns - no two vessels have exactly the same patterns, as these develop as the ship grows, similarly to a fingerprint. Due to their resemblance to aquatic vertebrates, Living Ship Classes have earned nicknames such as Whale, Shark, and Dolphin from human Officers.
Rorak-Class (Whale): The largest of the IAF’s ship classes, measuring in at over 500m in length. Mostly used for scientific study and diplomatic purposes, but has varied functions depending on modules that can be installed or grown. Usually has a widely varied crew, with separate sections of the vessel having corridors and quarters adapted for each Tribe. Rorak class ships can have up to four pilots working simultaneously and may have upwards of ten on the ship.
Hashem-Class (Dolphin): The middle road when it comes to GOK Alliance ships, the Hashem class ships are about 350m long and are mainly used for exploration or medical support. They usually have a mostly consolidated crew of one Tribe or another, with smaller contingents of the other Alliance species. Hashem class ships usually have three or four pilots, with only one or two working simultaneously.
Paruk-Class (Shark): A much smaller ship class, about 200m in length, the Paruk class is a military vessel built for speed and stealth. It has a formidable weapons complement. Crews of Paruk-Class ships are generally on the smaller side but usually has a variety of species working together. Paruk class ships can have one or two pilots, but usually have two so they can work in shifts.
Dari-Class Shuttle (Tuna): Support class, a shuttlecraft/runabout. Warp capable, the Dari-class vessels have the normal capacity to be independently utilised for three weeks without their parent vessel, although in an emergency they can function as a lifeboat for upwards of five months. Dari-class shuttles have seating capacity for up to twenty-four passengers as well as a small galley, a berth for sleeping, and a head that includes shower facilities. All shuttles have one pilot, but this pilot can be switched upon death or retirement.
Saku-Class Shuttle (Remora): Smaller support class, shuttlecraft/runabout without warp capabilities. Regular use is for atmospheric entry and exit, Saku class vessels are not intended to be inhabited for more than a few hours. Emergency capabilities can extend that to a few weeks, and there is seating for up to six passengers along with two storable cots and a minimal head. These shuttles have only one pilot through their full lifespan, but can adapt to a temporary replacement in emergency situations.
Obek-Class Fighter (Mantis Shrimp): Tiny, 1 or 2 seater fighter vehicles meant for combat and scouting. While they are still living vessels, there are several non-biological systems; weapons and targeting systems, stealth capabilities, etc. Fighters are frequently disabled in combat, so the AI brain of an Obek-Class fighter is contained in a small sphere that the pilot can take with them when they eject, so the mind of the ship survives along with its pilot. Fighters contain enough life support to sustain the pilot for about a day.