The book that Dr. M'Benga reads to his daughter, "The Kingdom of Elysium," was authored by the (fictional) science-fiction writer Benny Russell, portrayed by Avery Brooks (as Captain Sisko) from Far Beyond the Stars (1998) (also directed by Brooks).
Crimson Guard = Redshirt Security.
There are at least 12 cargo bays on this version of the USS Enterprise.