9.2 Stellar Explorations: Hydra II
A profile of Hydra II, the “Water World” whose advanced aquatic Hydrans created the magnificent Hydran Water Ballet, together with a note on how warp 4+ capability in the Mann and Baton Rouge Classes opened ever more distant stellar frontiers.
Hydra II
Another example of lifeform evolution in different physical environments can be found on Hydra II, the “Water World.” A very advanced aquatic civilization has developed on this world that is completely enveloped by warm oceans. The affable and graceful Hydrans have produced one of the most beautiful examples of culture to be found in the galaxy: the Hydran Water Ballet, in which a thousand and more swimming performers enact hours-long ballets of exquisite complexity.
Hydra contains five planets: one habitable (H); one potential (P); three uninhabitable. Planet II (H) lies 1.45 x 108 km from its star, with a diameter of 12,756 km, a revolution of 2.15 solar years, and an average surface temperature of 28° C. Planet III (P) lies 1.72 x 108 km from its star, with a diameter of 7,745 km, a revolution of 2.89 solar years, and an average surface temperature of 17° C.
Warp 4+ Capability Opens New Stellar Frontiers
As membership in the UFP continued to grow, so did the need for starships capable of spanning ever increasing distances between star systems.
The Mann Class, introduced in 2154, was the first to surpass warp 4 as it continued to expand the stellar frontiers, regularly exploring beyond Federation limits.
It was this quickness which enabled many from the class to participate in the Bayard's Planet evacuation, arriving in time from distances many lightyears beyond the capability of slower ships.
Toward the end of the era, the even quicker Baton Rouge Class debuted with an increase in range as well. But even this capability would be no match for what was about to revolutionize spaceflight; dilithium focused warp engines.