Yorik-et
The yorik-et, also known as a coralskipper or simply a skip by forces of the New Republic, functioned as the Yuuzhan Vong's equivalent to a starfighter during their invasion of the galaxy.
Characteristics
Since the Yuuzhan Vong viewed mechanical technology as anathema, the yorik-et was a bioship constructed from yorik coral. Rather than being built, it was grown, resulting in unique appearances for each coralskipper. Despite their individual differences, all coralskippers shared fundamental characteristics, including a dark-colored canopy and a triangular shape. The pilot of a coralskipper could interface with the craft through a specialized mask located in the cockpit, known as a cognition hood.
The Yaret-Kor, a small protuberance situated at the front of the vehicle, served as the coralskipper's primary weapon, launching a scorching magma rock capable of inflicting severe damage on enemy vessels. Additionally, the coralskipper was equipped with two plasma projectors at its front, sometimes called "rock spitters." Coralskippers replenished their fuel and ammunition by consuming rocks, small asteroids, and stellar debris. However, akin to any living organism, coralskippers were subject to aging and eventual death.
Furthermore, concealed beneath the front of a yorik-et was a small, heart-like organ called the dovin basal. Being a living entity, it exhibited constant pulsations and tremors, reminiscent of a Human heart. The dovin basal held paramount importance within the bioship, functioning as a miniature black hole that generated a potent supergravity field upon activation. This field could disrupt enemy starfighter shields and served as the coralskipper's own defensive shield by drawing in laser fire and missiles into the singularity's gaping maw.
Similar to all Yuuzhan Vong spacecraft types, the coralskipper employed the dovin basal for propulsion, a feature that became a vulnerability when attempting to destroy the craft. When the craft was moving, the dovin basal wasn't able to defend it as well as when it was stationary.
Coralskippers were designed primarily for space combat, exhibiting limited performance within planetary atmospheres. They also lacked the capability for long-distance space travel, necessitating transport by larger vessels for extended journeys.
History
The initial documented encounter with the yorik-et occurred during the early stages of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion in 25 ABY. The Praetorite Vong spearheaded this invasion, bringing thousands of these fighters aboard their worldships to the ice planet of Helska IV. The Dozen-and-Two Avengers first engaged with the craft, suffering heavy losses with only one survivor after the vessels' dovin basals were used to strip the enemy craft's shields. They were later used in an assault on the planet Dubrillion, but were driven back by the planet's defenders. Lando Calrissian later examined a downed Yuuzhan Vong craft, which provided valuable insights into the extragalactic invaders and their technology. During the Battle of Helska IV, a yammosk coordinated the coralskippers, resulting in the destruction of numerous New Republic starships before the ice planet of Helska IV was obliterated in a New Republic offensive.
These fighters saw action throughout the Yuuzhan Vong War. In the war's final year, a new type of fighter was designed to assist Supreme Overlord Shimrra's Slayers.