First, my federation character is a science officer with which I've been flying escorts. Last night I picked up the advanced escort, with an eye towards its better science profile. Must I wait until 50 and purchase the C-store version (in which I have zero interest) to get the multi-vector assault module? That seems an awful waste to buy a ship and dismiss it just to get one console -- I'd much rather just buy the module if I can.

My second question is, why no photonic fighters? You can find a photonic for just about everything else in Starfleet, and it seems to me photonic fighters would be more efficient and safe than manned small craft.

So to answer your question, yes you must purchase the Multi-Vector Advanced Escort (MVAE) to get the special console. However, my advice would be don't bother. I use the MVAE as my primary ship and I never bother with the Console. It's not awful but I really don't find it worth the console slot.

That being said I'd recommend considering the MVAE even without the console. You lose a bit of DPS due to having to downgrade some of your tactical powers in rank but the Lt. Cmdr Science Station means you can take Gravity Well which is a very useful power.

Oh, whoops, I missed that the MVAE has a Lt. Cmdr. science slot; I didn't see the darkened pip and thought it to only have a Lt. science slot. I suppose it just got a lot more appealing, then.

Had I noticed that I'd have selected the RSV at grade 40. Ah well, I'm happy with the prometheus class as-is.

The multi-vector console is only available via the purchase of the c-store multi-vector advance escort.

The multi-vector advance escort has a different bridge officer set up to the free advance escort, it has a Lt. commander science office slot.

Also note that if you plan on getting the fleet advance escort it will only cost you 1 fleet module if you buy the c-store version first.

I fly a Sci scort on one of my characters and he's one of my best for PvP. Right now he's in the fleet defiant.

I don't believe you can active the C store MVAE before level 45. But once you do yes I would take the MVAE console and use it on the advanced escort. I like this more than the MVAE. You can also save the ship in your shipyard and switch to see which suits your playstyle better.

As for photonic shuttles, that's a no but as a Sci character you get photonic fleet which will generate 3 starships. I recommend you pop an aux battery before you do . It'll make the photonic ships stronger.

If you need help with your builds or layout just let me know

Yeah, that's what piqued my curiosity on the subject, along with photonic boffs and doffs, and the lore that photonics are being used in greater numbers in Starfleet. To use photonic strike craft when hologram tech has improved to the point of having photonic starships just seems more...economical and sensible, from a lore point of view.