
Travel within systems is accomplished by the use of the SSV Normandy, an Alliance star cruiser. It is initially captained by David Anderson, but Commander Shepard is given command early on.

However, the galaxy is large, so Mass Relays are used to travel large distances. They accelerate ships above the speed of light by reducing their mass so that they can continue to accelerate.
Shepard directs the ship from a galaxy map, using this to choose a system and then a planet within that system.


