The Star Trek Online (STO) universe is brimming with starships, each with its unique design, capabilities, and place in the vast Federation fleet. While many classes are well-documented and readily available to players, some remain shrouded in mystery, their existence hinted at but never fully realized. One such enigma is the Hermes class. Unlike many other classes, the Hermes class possesses a unique history intertwined with both established canon and the ever-evolving lore of STO. This article will delve into the intricacies of the Hermes class, exploring its origins, its ambiguous classification, its potential place within the Federation fleet, and the fervent discussions surrounding its existence within the STO community.
The I.S.S. Hermes: A Glimpse into the Mirror Universe
Our journey begins with the I.S.S. Hermes, a Dervish-class escort vessel encountered in the mirror universe of STO. This establishes a crucial point: the Hermes class, as we understand it within the context of player speculation and community discussions, is *not* a direct counterpart of this vessel. The I.S.S. Hermes firmly belongs to the Dervish class, a distinct and well-defined class within the game. This distinction is vital to understanding the confusion surrounding the “Hermes class.” The presence of an I.S.S. Hermes of the Dervish class serves as a red herring, contributing to the ongoing debate about the existence of a separate, distinct Hermes class.
The U.S.S. Hermes: A Name Repeated, a Class Unclear
The name "Hermes" itself appears in various contexts within Star Trek lore. This contributes to the ambiguity surrounding the potential Hermes class in STO. The repeated use of the name, without a consistently defined class designation, fuels speculation and keeps the mystery alive. The absence of a definitive canon entry detailing a Federation Hermes class further complicates matters. The lack of official confirmation is the primary driver of the ongoing debate within the STO community.
Hermes Class (Scout): A Player-Driven Hypothesis
Much of the speculation surrounding the Hermes class stems from player observations, datamining efforts, and the ever-present hope for new content in STO. The idea of a "Hermes class (scout)" has gained traction within the community. This hypothesis suggests a light, agile scout vessel, perhaps filling a niche not currently occupied by existing Federation starship classes. The perceived lack of a dedicated scout class within the Federation's arsenal further fuels this theory. The "Hermes class (scout)" remains purely speculative, however, lacking any official confirmation from Cryptic Studios.
The Demorecord and Reddit Discussions: Fueling the Flame
The STO community, particularly on platforms like Reddit (r/sto), actively participates in discussions surrounding missing Federation starship classes. Threads titled "[Demorecord] Hermes Class," "Currently missing Federation starship classes," and "Is it finally canon?" highlight the persistent interest in and speculation about a potential Hermes class. These discussions often involve analyzing in-game files, speculating on potential designs, and debating the plausibility of the class's existence based on existing game mechanics and lore. These online forums act as a crucible for ideas, fueling the ongoing interest in the mystery of the Hermes class.
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