The Yuuzhan Vong conquered many worlds on their invasion vector towards the heart of the New Republic. They took over the planets completely, shaping entire environments and ecosystems to suit their needs. Then, yorik-trema transports could arrive to land occupation forces.

Yorik-trema transport carriers were not merely used to transport troops to conquered worlds; for the most part, they were deployed into the thick of battle, landing warriors for a ground assault. Often escorted by coralskippers, yorik-trema would descend from a larger transport towards a planet's surface in a straight line - as if free-falling directly to the ground. Upon reaching the surface, the transport carrier deployed several sharp landing claws, which could attach to almost any terrain.

Each yorik-trema was capable of carrying six Yuuzhan Vong warriors and up to thirty support troops, such as the reptoid chazrach. Troops disembarked from the living ship via several hollow molleung worms, which extended from valves on the sides of the yorik coral hull. The worms were Yuuzhan Vong variants of debarking tubes, though they could also be used as weapons - able to lash out at nearby enemies to clear the way for the troops within. The yorik-trema's primary weapon was its plasma projector, located inside the mouth-like opening at the front of the carrier. These protrusions extended for combat, and were able to lock on to even the most agile starfighter.

Yorik-trema had the appearance of a bulbous, green eel, with a tail-like aft and two 'eyes' above the volcano cannon. These giant domes were actually Yuuzhan Vong sensors, and could track the yorik-trema's escort coralskippers, and target enemy vessels. Below was the mouth, which could actually clamp onto the hull of a starship. Once secured, the yorik-trema gnawed a gash in the exterior, allowing troops to enter the craft directly from their carrier. When entering an atmosphere, however, the carrier made use of its ablative scales, which were burned away during descent, but protected the craft underneath. The organic vessel was capable of self-healing, even in the heat of conflict.

Yorik-trema transport carriers were first encountered by the New Republic during the Battle of Ithor. There, the pilots of Rogue Squadron designated the vessels 'crates', due to their unusual landing pattern. One of the yorik-trema launched at Ithor carried Commander Shedao Shai to the surface, though he was later killed in combat by Corran Horn. Yorik-trema were used in many other engagements, and one vessel was even assigned to Supreme Overlord Shimrra himself. Located within his coffer - his escape vessel - the yorik-trema actually provided a means escape for the heroes of the Galactic Alliance, after the defeat of Shimrra and Onimi. Though the yorik-trema was slowly dying, the heroes were able to reach the safety of the Millennium Falcon in time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Page created: 03 April 2004