The Federation is a collective of numerous nations whose home planets were destroyed or made inhospitable by intergalactic conflicts. Gathering to survive a harsh universe, they developped highly advanced defensive and restorative systems, such as deflective shields and self-regenerating units. The Federation must hold on.
"Nobody left behind."
Medic Shuttles are support ships that can be quickly deployed to fix other ships and save endangered civilians. Easy to produce and maintain, they do not have a major impact on their own but are a real asset when paired with other vessels.
"Commander, they're aiming for the station!"
"Let them try."
First line of defense of the Federation, Deflector Shields are the result of decades of scientific research. Made of pure plasma, they are made to handle any kind of projectile. They are most often deployed when planning a retreat or holding positions.
"Careful when dismantling these old ships; anti-matter reactors easily explode!"
The Mechanic's purpose is to repair and dismantling other ships, recycling parts that can be kept for new generation vessels. Having little resources at its disposal, the Federation had to become an expert in re-using old materials.