Nomadic Fleets
Nomadic Fleets are convoys of starships distinguished by their persistence as coherent communities across interstellar space. Most have no set origin or destination, and instead represent natural formations of vessels of multiple type and purpose, forming around shared access to fleet-based logistics, amenities, and even lodging. The smallest may consist of fewer than a dozen starships, while the largest assemble tens of thousands, spanning multiple star systems. The largest are effectively permanent, and have become home to the first generations of humans born in interstellar space with no port of call or, terrestrial or political affiliation.
As nomadic fleets have formed within each of the major interstellar blocs and other major centers of interstellar civilization, many have begun to exclusively affiliate with certain ideologies, economic interests or regional access. Others, however, maintain an apolitical stance and. A few are “artificial,” operated by national governments, usually as travelling cultural showcases or in some cases, military formations.
The movement of these flotillas remains an emerging field of study, as the routes they follow are not always predictable. Even fleets that maintain a central government and permanent population have been known to change course unexpectedly, or even to split into multiple formations, as each captain may ultimately go where they wish.
Major or Noteworthy Fleets
| Flag/Insignia | Name | Type | Areas of Operation | Affiliations | Rivals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Midnight Run |
|
|
|
Extensive paramilitary forces embedded as security. Highly competent in anti-piracy and avoided by most known groups. | |
 |
The Great White Fleet |
|
|
Largest federally operated American nomadic fleet. Reliant on congressional funding and public mandate. |