Title: Battle For Bajor Author: Stephen Ratliff Series: TNG, Marrissa Stories #2 Part: REV2.1 1/1 Rating: [G] Codes: n/a Prologue It had not been Gul Ducat's week. Everything had started when he was assigned to attack Earth. The force had been ordered to proceed across the border separately. They were suppose to met in the graveyard of ships at Wolf 359. Of the 300 ships, only 10 had made it and those were quickly defeated by a Star Fleet Taskforce lead by the starship Hood. Gul Ducat's Akane had the distinction of being the first of those ships to be captured. The Akane had left a Miranda Class starship drifting lifeless in its wake by the time it encountered the Enterprise saucer section. It had looked like an easy target. A saucer section crewed by a bunch of children. How much could they do? Plenty it had turned out. He still wasn't sure how they had evaded fire and disabled first his engines, then his weapons, and finally his shields. That wasn't what grated his soul an made him cry out for revenge. It was the inscription the young girl in command had carved with her phasers on the Akane's hull. An inscription that no one could seem to remove. "I was beaten by a bunch of kids." Chapter One Marrissa stood by the window in the Captain's Ready Room. While she wasn't crying at the moment, she had been. Her parents were dead. She was avoiding going to her quarters. There were just too many memories haunting the place. Since the Ready Room was her domain until Captain Picard returned with the stardrive, the twelve year-old girl stayed there most of the time, next to the bridge of the ship she was commanding. A ship that she had been so proud to command that she had never said good-bye. Marrissa didn't know what she'd do when Captain Picard returned. With her parent's deaths she had lost everything, a mother, a father, a home, the stars. She'd always dreamed of commanding a starship. Now after obtaining that dream for a short while, she had lost it all. Now she was destined to be sent off the ship to some foster home. If she every go command again it would be of a freighter, most likely. What was she kidding herself, if she ever got IN a starship again it would be as a passenger. Captain's Log Stardate 47576.71 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D stardrive Captain Jean-Luc Picard recording. The USS Enterprise is resuming its course to Deep Space Nine after assisting a damaged Ferengi freighter. At DS9 we will pick up the saucer section and await orders. "Counselor at one time I thought I had everything," Captain Picard said, standing by a window in a lounge on the stardrive, a cup of earl grey in his hand. Counselor Troi was sitting on a couch with her own herbal tea in had. "A career, a command, a little excitement every once in a while, the stars..." "But you want something more," Troi prompted after a moment's silence. "I once believed that this ship was my home, this crew, my family," Picard stated. "And now..." "And now I'm not sure anymore. In the next five or so years, I'll probably be forced into a promotion off the Enterprise," Picard mused. "All I'll have are memories, no legacy, no one to carry the Picard name on in the stars." "What about your nephew Rene," Troi asked. "From what you've told me, he's interested in Star Fleet." "Rene, despite his current interest, will probably follow in his father's footsteps," Picard dismissed. "Someone has to run the vineyard. And it's much too early to tell what his baby sister Theresa will do. Plus..." "... Plus what?" "Counselor, have you ever read James T. Kirk's logs?" "I'm familiar with them." "In one of them following the Genesis Incident, he states that the Enterprise felt like a house with all the children gone," Picard recalled. "Until this mission, I never realized what an important part of the Enterprise children are..." "Captain urgent hail from Deep Space Nine," Lieutenant Tasha Yarr said. "On screen," Captain Picard said. Commander Benjamin Sisko appeared on the main view screen. "What can I do for you, Commander?" "We have detected a dozen Cardassian warships on coarse for Bajor," Commander Sisko said. "Estimated time till arrival one hour. You are the senior officer in the area." "What ships are in the area and what condition are they in?" Picard inquired. "The Roanoke, our patrol ship this month, the Enterprise-C, the Arizona, the Surak is due back from the Gamma Quadrant in twenty minutes, your saucer section and three runabouts assigned to the station." A PADD was handed to the Commander from off screen. "I just have been informed that the United Federation of Planets Congress had declared war on the Cardassian Empire after attacks on Vulcan, Risa, Betazed and numerous starships." "So it begins again," Picard commented. "Deploy the Roanoke and the Enterprise-C to guard Bajor. I should arrive by then time they arrive. Have my saucer section evacuate the non- combatants." As soon as Commander Sisko cut off the channel to Captain Picard he got up and enter Ops. Major Kira was by the Main Table and Chief O'Brien and Lieutenant Dax were at their stations. Odo had just arrived at Ops to deliver the daily security report. Benjamin Sisko began, "Odo, began an orderly evacuation of the civilian population to the Enterprise-D saucer section. Marrissa Flores, who is in command there, will tell you who to coordinate with. Chief O'Brien, what is the status of our runabouts?" "The Ganges and Rio Grande are fine, but the Orinoco needs its impulse engine replaced," Miles O'Brien said as Odo left Ops. "I'm awaiting parts due in on the Enterprise-D stardrive." "Kira, you will be piloting the Ganges, Dax the Rio Grande," Sisko said. "Open a channel to the Arizona's Captain Morris and the Roanoke's Captain Szustakowski." "Channel Open," Kira responded. Captain Melanie Morris appeared in her ship's version of ten-forward dressed in an evening gown. Behind her a large gathering of people seated in rows and a grand piano could be seen. On the other side of the screen Captain Matthew Szustakowski appeared in uniform. In contrast to Captain Morris, the junior captain was seated on his bridge. "Captains, sorry to interrupt you, but we have Cardassians on the way to attack Bajor and this station," Commander Sisko said. Chapter Two Gul Ducat entered the War Room on the Command ship of the expanded seventh order. A eleven fellow Gul's were gathered there already. "I see everyone is here," Gul Ducat observed. "Everyone here has a personal grudge against the planet Bajor. That's part of the reason you all are here. Gul Dywer, I believe you grudge is against a particular Bajoran Major who is now the First Officer of Deep Space Nine. You will lead the assault on the former and soon to be again Terok Nor, along with Gul Enchek. Guls Renor, Ganor, Delnor, Gavek, and Darvek you will take Bajor. The Rest of us will split up any spaceships resisting. But I want to make one thing clear, MARRISSA FLORES and the ENTERPRISE SAUCER are MINE ALONE." Around the table there were nods, grins, and cheers of approval for Gul Ducat's plan. "Captain, are you leaving the little girl in command of the saucer section?" Lieutenant Yar asked. "Yes, I am leaving Marrissa in command of the saucer section," Captain Jean-Luc Picardreplied. "Do you have any objection to my decision?" "I do," Lieutenant Tasha Yarr replied. "She is twelve years old and that just by a couple days. Surely there is some one who can do the job better. I admit that I don't know why you put her in command in the first place but surely any such reasons are no longer applicable since we are going into battle." "Since you where not on board when Marrissa got command I will inform you of the reasons for placing her in command," Captain Picard replied. "One personnel shortage, still applicable since we need to staff the Galaxy. Two, Marrissa's 21:14 Kobayashi Maru time, always a good indicator as to how well someone will do in a battle. Three, who else was I going to put in command? I needed everyone I could get, I still do. Marrissa and her Kid's crew should do well where I assigned them. If you don't think so review her two minute capture of a Cardassian warship, Galor Class." "Galor Class in two minutes!" Lieutenant Yarr exclaimed. "Are you sure she couldn't help us in a more active position, sir." "Now approaching Deep Space Nine," Ensign Ro said from CONN. "You have the bridge, Lieutenant Yarr," Picard said. "Mister Data." The two left the battle bridge. Captain Picard and Data materialized on the Main Bridge of the Enterprise-D. "Captain, I didn't see the stardrive section arrive," Marrissa said. "You aren't suppose to and neither are the Cardassians," Captain Picard replied. "Has every one arrived?" "Captains Szustakowski and Morris, and Commanders Riker and Shelby have arrived," Marrissa stated. "Captain Selv and Commander Sisko are on their way." "When they arrive join us in the observation lounge," Captain Jean-Luc Picard said. "I see everyone has arrived," Picard said as Ben Sisko, Captain Selv and Marrissa arrived. As they took a seat Captain Picard examined the people he had called here. To his right was Commander Riker who seemed to be in a good mood despite his fall the previous day. Next to him was Captain Matt Szustakowski of the Roanoke. Captain Szustakowski was a 42 year old man whose hair was graying at the temples. Next to him was Commander Benjamin Sisko of Deep Space Nine who seemed to be worried about the situation. Next in line was Captain Selv of the Surak. No longer able to play the elf he played when Captain Picard and several other captains had played Santa for a remote colony, he fit the role of Santa now, minus the white beard of coarse. At the other end of the table was Captain Morris of the Arizona. Her hair was all done up as she had just been pulled from another of her piano consorts, just like every other time Captain Picard and her were in the same sector. To Captain Morris's right was Commander Shelby. Her long hair gave evidence that the position of First Officer afforded her allot more time. Next to her was Marrissa. A 12 year old girl with blond hair, who would have suspected that she had such good command abilities. Between the Girl Captain and Captain Picard was Commander Data who recently turned down the job of first officer on the Reliant. "So Captain, what have you interrupted my piano consort for this time?" Captain Morris asked. "Last time you interrupted me it was to inform me my ship had had a warp core breach on my starship while I was playing and you thought it started when I was playing Chopin's Revolutionary Etude in the Star Base 127 consort hall." "No this time it is because the Federation has declared war on Cardassia again and a dozen Cardassians are ninety minutes away from Bajor," Captain Picard said. "I believe it started when you where teaching Two Easy Pieces by Chopin to your Tactical Officer." "That said, I have a question Captain Picard," Captain Matt Szustakowski of the Roanoke interrupted. "Yes, Captain?" Picard responded. "Why is the little girl here?" Szustakowski asked. "I wondered that as well," Captain Selv seconded. "I will let your fellow officers answer why Marrissa is in command of my saucer section," Picard replied. "One fact each. Commander Riker?" "21 minute Kobayashi Maru time." "Captain Morris." "Captured one top of the line Cardassian warship." "Commander Shelby." "Which had disabled or destroyed 7 Federation starships." "Commander Sisko." "Without an single scratch on her command and I did look. I even got suited up and checked it with a magnifying glass" "I believe that is enough from the Marrissa Admiration Society," Captain Picard concluded, as a laugh ran around the room. "In less you two are still objecting?" "No," Captains Selv and Szustakowski said in unison. "Now are big advantage here is that the Cardassians will underestimate the number of ships here," Captain Picard began. "Perhaps by as many as 4 ships." "How could they miss four starships," Szustakowski wanted to know. "Commander Riker will explain," Picard ordered. "Besides the Enterprise-D stardrive which entered the system cloaked," Commander Riker explained. "The Cardassians also don't know about the Galaxy and the Enterprise-C which entered the system though by a coarse known as Bajor's Back door by the former Bajoran Resistance Movement. Due to sensor interference along this route Cardassia is unable to scan it. As both the Enterprise-C and the Galaxy immediately entered the Bajor Space Orbiting Repair Dock, otherwise known as BaSOR Dock, The Cardassians don't know they are there." "That's only three ships," Selv counted. "True, but we will be separating the Galaxy saucer and stardrive, since both Marrissa and Commander Shelby have shown themselves to be able saucer commanders in battle situations," Commander Riker replied. "Surely the Cardassians will expect the Enterprise stardrive section to arrive," Commander Sisko pointed out. "They will and thus their forces will spread out to cover all the likely approaches," Captain Picard replied. "Commander Data will now present our deployment positions." "First the Surak will go back to though the wormhole and return at 0130 hours, 1 minute 2.678971 seconds into the attack," Data said. "Mean while the Roanoke will move to guard Bajor and the Arizona, Deep Space Nine and the wormhole. The saucer section of the Enterprise-D will handle the civilian evacuation of DS9. The parts of the Galaxy will emerge from BaSOR Dock at Captain Picard's or Captain Szustakowski's order. The remaining Enterprises will take out the perimeter guards, while cloaked if possible." "Commander Sisko any runabouts you can spare will aid in your defense," Picard said. "Commander Shelby, you will be in command of the Galaxy's saucer section and Data you have the stardrive of the Galaxy. Any comments or suggestions?" "One thing, Captain," Commander Sisko asked. "What is our chain of Command?" "Myself, Captain Selv, Captain Morris, Captain Szustakowski, Commander Riker, Commander Sisko, Commander Shelby, Lieutenant Commander Data, and last but no means least Marrissa," Picard recited. "In the event that someone is put out of commission your first officers fit at the end of the list." "So it is possible that Marrissa could end up in command of this battle," Szustakowski commented. "Wait until I tell my first officer. Mike will laugh all the way to Bajor." "Anything else?" Captain Picard queried. As there was nothing else all present left for their commands. Chapter Three Captain's Log STARDATE 47576.91 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D saucer section Marrissa Floras recording Transport of civilians from Deep Space Nine has begun. I've put Clara Sutter and Jay Gordon in charge of seeing that everyone gets aboard. Clara Sutter beamed up the first people from Deep Space Nine. Among them was Keiko and Molly O'Brien, and Jake Sisko. "Mrs. O'Brien, Jake can you assist me?" Clara asked. "What can we do?" Keiko asked. "Do you know how to operate a transporter?" Clara inquired. "Yes, you don't have an engineer for a husband without learning something," Keiko replied. "Then you can beam people aboard and Jake can assign them quarters," Clara ordered. "I've got to check on the docking port. When you are done, let Jake take Molly to your quarters, you got your old ones, and report to the bridge. Marrissa wants to see you." In the Captain's Ready Room on the Roanoke, Captain Szustakowski and his daughter Katherine, a cadet on leave from Star Fleet Academy and an excellent helmsman, where talking about the young girl who was in command of the Enterprise saucer. Or rather the Captain was talking and Katherine was listening. "You should of heard the list of accomplishments this girl has," the Captain of the Roanoke said. "Officer after officer gave accomplishment after accomplishment. This little girl has managed to do and most of them within the week she has had in command. She broke the twenty-minute barrier on the Kobayashi Maru by a good minute and fourteen seconds." "I hope I can last half as long," Katherine replied. "That, my daughter, is a very realistic goal," Captain Szustakowski told his oldest of seven daughters. "If you succeed you will have beaten both mine and your mothers time." "Mom will tell me I should aim higher," Katherine replied, "when I visit her and my younger sisters on the Brittain next week." "That reminds me, Kathy, my CONN officer has caught some kind of Bajor version of the flu," Captain Szustakowski asked his daughter. "Would you care to take CONN until he returns." "Aye, Aye, Captain Dad," Katherine said with a sparkle in her eye. "Marrissa," Jay Gordon said, to his commanding officer from the traditional seat of the first officer on the bridge. "With the exception of three Ferengi, all civilians are aboard. Permission to take an away team to retrieve them?" "Permission granted," Marrissa said. "Have Jake Sisko assist if possible." "Alexander," Jay said as he left his seat. The two boys entered the aft turbolift. Jay Gordon entered the transporter room with Alexander. "Jake how would you like to help me retrieve three Ferengi," Jay asked. "Sure," Jake replied. "Alex, give Jake a communicator and three extras," Jay said. "And issue us phasers, not that I'm planing on using them, but it may help them take us more seriously." The three stepped up on to transporter disks and Jay continued, "Beam us to Quarks." As the three boys disappeared Keiko muttered to Molly, "I knew Quark would cause a problem." "Quark you where supposed to leave here an hour ago," Odo said. As this did not move the Ferengi he continued. "The Enterprise is waiting for you, Quark." "Let them go, I'm staying here," Quark said. Jake Sisko, Jay Gordon and Alexander beamed into Quark's. "How can we help you, Odo?" Jay asked. "Mr. Quark and his family don't want to leave," Odo said. "I don't see that he has any choice," Jay Gordon said. He motioned for Jake to go around the Ferengi and tapped his communicator lightly. Jake moved around and behind the Ferengi. "Quark apparently disagrees," Odo said. "Not that it would help him." "Help him," Rom said. All eye were on Jay, Odo, and Alexander who was standing between the two. "The way I see it you either go with these gentlemen, or ...," Odo said. "The gentlemen stun you," Alexander said as he and Jay drew their phasers, "and beam you abroad. Meanwhile Jake had attached all three communicators and now signaled Jay. "See you later Odo," Jay said tapping his communicator. "Six to beam up Mrs. O'Brien." Chapter Four Jay Gordon, Jake Sisko, Alexander, Quark, Rom, and Nog materialized on the transporter platform. "Jake see to our guests," Jay said. "Mrs. O'Brien, Alexander, I believe we are wanted on the bridge." Keiko handed Molly to Jake. The aforementioned threesome left for the bridge. Quark called after them, "I'm reporting this." The threesome entered the turbolift as Quark stood angrily at the door of the transporter room. "To who Quark?" Jake asked. "Odo certainly isn't going to do anything." "To this ship's chief of security," Quark replied. "The Klingon kid is the security chief," Jay said. "The Commanding officer then." "Who do you think told them to beam down to get you. Come on Quark, your quarters are this way." Marrissa was sitting in the Command Chair of the Enterprise's bridge, when Jay and Alexander returned the bridge with Mrs. O'Brien. Patterson Supra was sitting at CONN and Ro Nyres was at Ops. "I've got a job for you, Mrs. O'Brien," Marrissa said. "Ever since they came on board my passengers have been bothering me. I have to admit the a twelve year-old's voice and certainly presence is not easy for adults to obey." "So you want me to be your Liaison Officer to your passengers," Keiko concluded. "Exactly," Marrissa said. "You can use one of the aft science stations. Jay since you have returned to the Bridge, can I assume everyone is aboard?" "You can," Jay replied. "Alex, request clearance from Deep Space Nine's Ops Center for departure," Marrissa ordered. "Request granted," Alexander Rozhenko replied. "CONN, undock from the station and pilot us clear," Marrissa ordered. Meanwhile the dozen Cardassian vessels had entered the system. Gul Ducat was on the Bridge of the Cardassian command ship. There scans could not located the Enterprise-D stardrive section. Gul Ducat wondered, "Where is the Enterprise stardrive?" After puzzling over this for a moment he continued, "Divert the Group that was to take Bajor to watch the most likely routes in the system while the rest of us take care of the Starships in system." "Captain, the Cardassian vessels are entering the system," Lieutenant Yarr informed Captain Picard. "Estimated deployment?" Picard asked. "Five of them are moving to cover the most likely entry points into the system," Yarr reported. "The remaining seven are splitting up to cover each ship. Two are on course to the Arizona, two to Deep Space Nine, one to the Saucer Section, and two to the Roanoke." "Ensign Ro, set a coarse for the far left Cardassian." "Now clear of Deep Space Nine," Patterson Supra said from CONN on the Bridge of the USS Enterprise-D saucer. "Set a coarse for Bajor, full impulse," Marrissa ordered. "Keep an eye on those Cardassians, Alex I don't want them sneaking up behind us." "Aye, sir," Alexander replied. After a minute Alexander had more information for Marrissa. "The Cardassians have opened up on DS9 and the Arizona." Deep Space Nine was shaking under Cardassian assault. "Status, Mister O'Brien," Commander Sisko prompted. "We've taken several hits to the docking ring," O'Brien reported. "And one hit to the Promenade near Quarks. The ship the Ganges is after has damaged weapons and impulse drive. The Rio Grande's target is unharmed." "Major Kira seems to be doing well," Sisko stated. "Ask Dax to lure her target closer to the wormhole, it's just about time for our little surprise." Two Cardassians were circling the Arizona. "Shields at 40%," Lt. Small said. "Fire phasers and torpedoes," Captain Morris said as another wave of torpedoes impacted the Arizona. Several people fell out of their seats. "Captain, I don't understand this," Lt. Small said. "One of the Cardassians just exploded. The torpedoes came from nowhere." "Send my thanks to Captain Picard," Captain Melanie Morris said. "But tell him we can handle it from here. Ensign La Motte bear down on the remaining Cardassian." Meanwhile the Roanoke was in trouble. "Captain aft shields are down," Chief Engineer Lockhard said on the smoky bridge. "Kathy keep those Cardassians off our tail," Captain Szustakowski said. "Lt. Grubb contact the Galaxy and see if they can speed up their arrival." As Captain Szustakowski turned back toward the main viewscreen, a panel behind him blew up. The explosion knocked the Captain to the deck and implanted several pieces of jagged metal in his back. "Medical Emergence on the Bridge," Lieutenant Commander Mike Walsky, the first officer said. "I'm all right Mike," Captain Szustakowski said as he lay on the deck. "Respectfully Captain, you have several pieces of metal in your back," Walsky replied. "You are bleeding badly. You will go to sickbay." "When they take me off the Bridge you have conn," Szustakowski replied. "However, they will have to fix either the turbolifts or transporter before doing so. Therefore, Kathy hard about Lt. Muldino fire phasers." The Nebula Class Starship Roanoke turned into one of it's opponents and tore into it with relish. The Cardassian retreated quickly but it's companion moved in on the other side. Chapter Five The Enterprise-D saucer section was halfway to Bajor when Alexander announced, "Captain, we have a tail." "We do," Marrissa replied, "put them on screen." Marrissa looked closely at the ship. "Magnify, centering on the port blade, 10 times. I want to see if this is who I think it is." The inscription 'I lost to a bunch of kids' was clearly visible. "Fire Torpedoes, Alex. Patterson, begin torpedo defense plan Alpha Four A. Nyres, go to evasive pattern Mozart Symphony number 3. Clara give us all the speed you have. We've got civilians to get out of harms way." The Bridge of the Enterprise erupted in activity. Gul Ducat was attempting to close in on the saucer section. "Faster helmsman," he ordered, moving towards the helm. "We can't go any faster," the Helmsman replied. "Do you want to die, Helmsman?" the Gul asked, placing his face up against the helmsman's ear. The Helms man indicated that he did not. "Then you better go faster." "Gul," the weapons officer interrupted. "the enemy saucer section has opened fire on us. They are launching torpedoes." "Return fire with torpedoes," Gul Ducat replied as the view of the Enterprise saucer grew larger on the Cardassian's main view screen The wormhole opened up and the Nebula Class starship Surak emerged. The less damaged of the two Cardassians attacking Deep Space Nine began to turn toward it. It didn't complete the movement as the Surak opened fire, red beams of phaser fire lancing out of the ships ventral and dorsal phaser arrays and red bursts of torpedoes launched themselves toward the Cardassian ship. It trembled and shook under the force of the Nebula Class starship's fire. Then suddenly it exploded. "Commander, the ship the Rio Grande was after has been destroyed," O'Brien said. "The remaining ship is trying to retreat. The Surak, the Ganges and the Rio Grande are pursuing." The screen focused on the remaining Cardassian. It was twisting and turning trying to evade the fire of the two runabouts and the Nebula class starship Surak. The Surak was attacking them in a proven, by the book pattern. Normally the Cardassians would have been able to employ counter-measures, but not this time as the runabouts Ganges and Rio Grande provided additional fire in not so logical patterns. It's shields were down in short order and the remaining systems were not far behind. "The remaining Cardassian has been destroyed," O'Brien announced. "Informing the Enterprise-D stardrive." "Captain, updates coming in now," Lt. Yarr said. "The Arizona, Deep Space Nine, and the Surak are free of opposition. The Enterprise-C reports 2 kills. The Roanoke is requesting additional assistance. The Galaxy stardrive and saucer are on their way to assist the Roanoke, which still has two opponents. Our saucer section reports that its opponent is down to 5% shields and they remain untouched." "Set a course for the Roanoke," Picard said. "Calculate for warp arrival. Send the Arizona and the Surak to clear the 3 remaining Cardassians in the 2nd wave. Send the Enterprise-C to help our saucer section. I don't believe that information. Decloak and engage." The Enterprise NCC-1701-D stardrive shimmered into existence and went into warp. Meanwhile back on the saucer section of the Enterprise-D things where going well. Torpedoes would leave the Cardassian ship at full speed, trying to target the Galaxy class saucer. However about halfway they encountered a mysterious resistance and began slowed until they ran out of fuel. At which time they drifted back into the Cardassian warship. Chapter Six On the Roanoke Captain Szustakowski was still giving orders, even though a doctor had arrived. "Kathy hard to port," He rasped. "Fire phasers." The Nebula Class starship moved in on the portside Cardassian forcing it to retreat some distance or risk destruction. "Captain, Message form Captain Picard," Lt.j.g.. Grubb said with a puzzled look. "He wants us to sit back and watch the movie." Suddenly the Enterprise-D stardrive appeared on the portside its id flashing by. Meanwhile on the starboard side the Galaxy stardrive arrived. Moments later the saucer section of the Galaxy came from above its id passing slowly by NCC-70637. The Starships opened fire on the now greatly out numbered Cardassians. "Kathy let the others have clear shots," Captain Szustakowski wheezed. "Course down on the z axis. We did our best." Just as the last Cardassian ship was destroyed Captain Matthew James Szustakowski's eyes closed and the Doctor announced, "He's dead Mike." The Cadet at the Helm's eyes filled with tears. On Gul Ducat's ship, Gul Ducat requested, "Status." "Their are only six ships out of our dozen remaining, our shields are down," the weapons officer said. "Weapons are damaged and the impulse engines are off-line," the Engineering Officer said. "I suggest we withdraw," the first officer suggested. "Inform the rest of the fleet that they may withdraw, but we will leave after we destroy this bunch of kids," Gul Ducat sneered. Back on the saucer section of the Enterprise-D, Marrissa was receiving much better news than that of the crew of the Roanoke. "Marrissa, the enemy ship has lost impulse engines and all weapons systems," Alexander reported. "End firing and cut repulsing tractor beam field," Marrissa ordered. "Alex see if you can add the word twice to that inscription we made a week ago." "Aye, aye, sir," the Klingon Kid smiled. The Enterprise saucer section hovered near the powerless Cardassian Galor class warship. A thin phaser beam shot out to the inscription 'I was beaten by a bunch of kids.' It changed the period to a comma and then added the word 'twice'. With that addition, the saucer section moved off, leaving the Cardassian warship drifting. Meanwhile on the Bridge of Gul Ducat's powerless ship, the weapons officer announced. "The saucer section has added to the inscription." "What did they add?" Gul Ducat said frustrated. "The computer has translated the new part of the inscription to mean a second time," the weapons officer replied. That was the last straw for Gul Ducat. He went mad. The Gul picked up his rather hefty command chair and hurled it toward the weapons officer. Then he pulled his weapon a began shooting up all the consoles and view screens around the bridge. Finally someone managed to restrain the enraged Cardassian, or rather they stunned him and took him to Sickbay. Medical Log Cardassian Seventh Order Chief Medical Officer of said Order recording Gul Ducat has been restrained in Sick bay following a rampage on the Bridge during which he killed his weapons officer and injured several of the other members of the bridge crew. I am relieving him of command due to insanity making Gul Renor the acting commander of the remainder of this Order. I recommend that Gul Ducat be committed. He shows signs of paranoia and delusions. For instance he believes that a blond haired human named Marrissa is following his every move and lives only to torment him. In fact while I was talking to him he reported seeing her behind me and became very terrified. While I have discovered that his last two, (and only) defeats were delivered by a human girl named Marrissa, and other than this I can find no logical reason for his behavior. End Recording Chapter Seven Captain's Log STARDATE 47577.75 USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D stardrive Captain Jean-Luc Picard Recording The Cardassians have withdraw for the time being. The Arizona and Surak are paroling the border now. The Enterprise-D stardrive will be under repair and upgrade until STARDATE 47615. The saucer section was undamaged, however it cannot reattach due to docking latch damage on the stardrive side. The Roanoke will also be under repair until STARDATE 47752. We will be conducting a funeral for Captain Matthew James Szustakowski, the Floreses who died on our last mission and the 69 others who died under the Cardassian attack. The funeral is scheduled for 0800 hours tomorrow in the main shuttle bay of the saucer section of the Enterprise-D. I have just returned from the saucer section where I along with Captain Selv (Surak), Captain Morris (Arizona), Commander Sisko (DS9), Cadet Katherine Szustakowski (Roanoke), and young Marrissa Flores. set down the proposed regulations for the Kid's crew. They have been approved as regulation 214. At that moment Marrissa (finally) was handing command over to Lieutenant Commander Data. "Marrissa to all Kid's Crew members," She said. "I am proud of your work for the past week. I hope that it was as enjoyable for you as it was for me. Captain Picard sends his congratulations on a job well done and hopes that Star Fleet will be able to use you in the future. You will be relieved in the next hour by crew returning from the Enterprise-C. Mr. Data you have conn." "Thank you Marrissa," Data replied. "I add my congratulations to Captain Picard's. Any time you need help feel to call me." "In that case, can you do a couple Kobayashi Maru evaluations next week?" Marrissa asked. "Alexander's and Clara's are up for renewal." Captain Picard was going over the repair lists for the stardrive and saucer sections. Some damage on the docking system on the stardrive section was preventing the reunification of the Enterprise. The saucer was reporting stressed aft shields, no wonder there, and puzzling to Captain Picard a rear tractor beam unit burnt out. The door chimed. "Come." Counselor Troi entered, carrying a PADD. "What can I do for you, Counselor?" Picard asked. "Captain, I was looking at the Flores' will," Troi began. "Are you aware that you've been named Marrissa's guardian?" "Yes," Picard replied quite serenely. "That means you are now responsible for her," Troi responded at her Captain's reaction. "Counselor, I've run starships for almost 30 years, faced Klingon, Cardassians, Romulans, and Borg. I hardly think one twelve year old girl could be much more trouble." "Captain, I think you better revise that. Marrissa is a young girl who has suddenly lost both of her parents. She has no living relatives she knows of. She's scared. She doesn't know what is going to happen to her." "Have you been to see her yet?" "No, I prefer to know as much as possible about the situation before going in. I've talked to her friends Jay and Clara." "And what did they say?" Picard asked. Troi looked at Picard with a question in her eyes. "If I'm going to adopt Marrissa, I better know what I'm getting into." "Pardon me, but what have you done with my Captain?" Troi asked. "Have I finally managed to surprise you?" Picard inquired. "Yes, Captain," Troi responded. "I've seen nothing to indicate that you would do this." "Counselor, ever since I came on board you've been trying to ease my discomfort with children. You've asked me to give tours, had that 'Captain Picard Day', and even maneuvered me into taking Marrissa's Class on a field trip. And don't tell me about 'Commander Riker's so- called injury.' I know all about it from Doctor Crusher. Well you've succeed. I now enjoy my time with them. That's why I decided to become a mentor." "Why did you choose Marrissa to mentor?" Troi asked. "She asked me," Picard said simply. "Afer her help back when I was trapped in the turbolift, she apparently started working on her proposal. Then after that archeology field trip she presented it to me. And by the way if it hadn't been for the fact the field trip was an archeology one, you might have gotten away with it. In any case, it was an opportunity I didn't think I could pass up. Not many young ladies, especially ones as shy as Marrissa, get up the courage to ask a Star Fleet Captain anything." After the funeral, Captain Picard stopped by Marrissa's Quarters. He rang the doorbell. "Go Away," Marrissa yelled. "Your aren't Going to let your captain in?" Picard asked. "Come in then, unless Counselor Troi is with you," Marrissa said. Captain Picard entered the quarters. He went over and sat on the sofa by Marrissa. Marrissa was sitting curled up in a blanket looking at a picture of her parents. She appeared to have been crying. "You aren't going to sit here all day looking at that picture are you?" Picard queried. Marrissa kept silent. "Jay Gordon says you aren't even receiving his reports." She remained quiet. "The computer says you haven't eaten since STARDATE 47576.8. If you don't start eating or receiving visitors Counselor Troi will be down here." "Anything but Counselor Troi," Marrissa said as she got up and went over to the replicator. "Turkey Sandwich number four and 12oz glass of strawberry juice." "What have you got against Troi," Captain Picard asked. "Would you like something?" Marrissa asked, avoiding the question. "Tea, Earl Gray, hot," Picard said as he joined her at the replicator. They picked up their food and sat down at the table. After a moment of silence Marrissa answer Captain Picard's question, "I pushed Commander Riker off on of the crossways on the upper level of the promenade when he informed me of my parents deaths. I am not looking forward to what Troi has to say about that." "Commander Riker informed me of your reaction," the Captain replied. "We decided not to inform the Counselor. So unless Quark told her she doesn't know. Plus I think she is going out with Worf now. Are you aware of your parents will?" "Yes," Marrissa said, "I am hoping SOMEONE on this ship will adopt me." "Would you like me to do so?" Picard inquired. "Like, Love would be more like it," Marrissa said brightening. Then with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes she continued, "Especially if you let me on the bridge every once in a while." "Let you on the Bridge!" Captain Picard replied, "Marrissa, after this last week I'd leave you in command of the bridge." Gul Ducat in the Meantime was pacing in confinement. 'Someday they will have to let me out and when they do I will hunt down that little girl. Marrissa Flores will wish she was never born.' he thought. 'She will be crushed like the vole she is.' Epilogue Marrissa and Captain Picard were in a shuttle craft on its way to Lavar, France. "What I want to know is why Admiral McGuire was so nice during our debriefing," the Captain asked. "I have never heard her use such polite language." "Maybe she realized that 50% of the Commanders of the Enterprise ended their careers as Commanding Admiral, Star Fleet," Marrissa said. "Or Maybe she has a maternal instinct after all." "Admiral Mc Guire a Maternal instinct," Captain Picard laughed. he noticed that they were nearing the Picard family vineyard. "Where should we land?" "How about the front lawn?" Marrissa suggested. Captain Jean-Luc Picard spent the next month at the Picard Family Vineyards with his newly adopted daughter Marrissa Amber Picard. At the end of that month he hosted a Cadet Cruise on the Maine before returning to the Enterprise ... but that is another story.