Messenger Drones
Automated starships that carry data at warp between star systems, forming the backbone of galactic communication.
Because radio and other light-speed signals would take thousands of years to cross the galaxy, messages are physically carried by automated drones traveling at warp. A typical drone moves at roughly 50 light-years per hour, covering the ~7,200 light-years between Dathos and Khemet in about six days.
The fleet numbers in the thousands. On critical links, multiple drones are dispatched daily to minimize delay. Precise routes and arrival times are closely guarded secrets — a hijacked messenger can hand raiders both advanced warp drives and sensitive data. Variants exist for general use, high-speed courier work, military traffic, and economic transactions.