I do everything I can to avoid spoilers, but since this season began there's been two giant potential spoilers that seem to be aligning in a specific way. If you don't want to be ruined (I wouldn't), then DO NOT CLICK THIS SPOILER TAG.I did some poking around and the NX-Refit Enterprise is outside. Freeze frame can catch it. Or anyway some Refit of that class. *I* love the Excelsior, but it or Enterprise-B wouldn't have the punch you are looking for. E would. And F would. I really don't think it is in keeping with what they are doing there to rebuild Enterprise-D. They are keeping relics here, but probably don't have the budget to build an entire Starship just to look at. WHY what is in Bay 12 is in Bay 12 is PROBABLY not to keep it a secret in story. This is a museum. So just from your list, I would deduce Enterprise-F. We were already spoiled that F is damaged and out of service, so likely it is in Bay 12 because it is being repaired and isn't ready for display. I will watch the scene again to get solid context. From where I am right now, I don't agree with your idea that what is in Bay 12 would be the lynchpin because it isn't networked to the fleet. I really don't think ANY of those ships would be on the network. They aren't intended to be used. There are 2 Klingon ships and a Romulan Bird of Prey, too. Why would those be on the network?
If Bay 12 IS a secret it is a private project of Geordi's and then it could be anything. But probably a giant scale replica of Leah Brahms.
It's still speculation, mind you, but when 2+2=4...you kinda assume things make sense.
Again. WARNING. DO NOT CLICK IF YOU'RE AIMING TO BE 100% SPOILER FREE.
Two comments point to the Bay 12 ship being the Enterprise D saucer attached to the secondary hull of another Galaxy class ship. I'm guessing one that may have been damaged during the Dominion War, and Geordi is syncing the systems up or something in Bay 12.
Reason 1: Steward is purported to have said something about "forgetting" there used to be carpet on the bridge. This only makes sense if they're revisiting something from the past.
Reason 2: Supposedly, in a now-deleted Tweet Levar Burton posted a photo of him in the new uniform but on the D's bridge. Perhaps just a proud photoshop, or perhaps a set selfie.
Either way, with the secrecy of the Bay 12 ship, and these two comments taken together, my gut tells me we're getting the D back in action for the finale.
Reason 1: Steward is purported to have said something about "forgetting" there used to be carpet on the bridge. This only makes sense if they're revisiting something from the past.
Reason 2: Supposedly, in a now-deleted Tweet Levar Burton posted a photo of him in the new uniform but on the D's bridge. Perhaps just a proud photoshop, or perhaps a set selfie.
Either way, with the secrecy of the Bay 12 ship, and these two comments taken together, my gut tells me we're getting the D back in action for the finale.
If anyone quotes or includes this post in a reply, PLEASE make it clear that this is a spoiler you do NOT want to click if you're aiming to finish the season without any inclination of what's happening. I wouldn't want someone else to click this unknowingly.