One of the unique features of the USS Enterprise-D – and by default, all Galaxy-class starships – is that it was designed to include a civilian population. Officers and crew are able to bring their families with them on deep-space missions. This improves morale, and allows families to stay together, no matter where the assignment leads.
Having civilians aboard essentially transforms the USS Enterprise into a warp-powered city, complete with schools, plazas, theaters, restaurants, an arboretum, even the mall on deck 10. In fact, in the near future, there may also be guest performances by celebrity entertainers, musicians, and professional speakers, much like you would find in any city.
Right now, this “small city” concept is still a pilot program, aboard Galaxy-class starships, but there has been talk about incorporating the concept into future Starfleet ship designs as well. I am not aware of any prototype vessels, already under construction, that make use of this concept, but it does seem to be something of great value to Starfleet Command.
-Lieutenant Sam Archer
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October 15, 2364 -- (Original Devron Timeline)