STAR trek The Next Generation A Marrissa Story Marrissa's First Adventures: Cadet Cruise  by Stephen Ratliff made for alt.startrek.creative a USENET newsgroup Dedicated to: Elizabeth "Betsy" Ratliff, my mom. This story is Fan Fiction. The author did not ask permission from Paramount to use the Star Trek Universe. However suing the author for the money he earned writing this will get you nowhere as he earned less than -5 dollars on it. Star Trek, and Star Trek: the Next Generation, are trademarks of Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom. However the story and those elements that are not from the aforementioned source are copyrighted 1995 by Stephen B Ratliff, as to US copyright law. The said copyright law does not require this message, but the author decided to put one here anyway. Permission is granted for general USENET distribution on alt.startrek.creative, personal copies, copies made to giveaway to your friends and family and to archive in the alt.startrek.creative archive at ftp.healer.com or it's successor. Prologue General Sela, daughter of Tasha Yarr was mad at the Romulan Government. In particular, she was tired of the way the Tal'Shiar used her. Well she wasn't going to be around for them to play games with her anymore. She and her triplets were getting out of the Romulan Star Empire as soon as she could. And she was going to make sure that her exit was as embarrassing as possible to Romulas. Deep inside Romulas, Ambassador Spock was discussing Sela's proposal with his wife. "Sela has offered to take any people who we believe may be in danger to the Federation," Spock said. "I believe she is sincere." "But is it safe, Spock?" Saavik asked. "After all she was one of the officers who captured you." "Sela has recently gone against her former allies, the Tal'Shiar," Spock said. "From my sources, I can say that her life itself is in danger." "And she risked contacting you?" Saavik said. "That is illogical." "It is but Romulans are not yet well versed in logic, my wife," Spock replied. "Will you go with her to the Federation?" "If you are sure it's safe, Spock," Saavik responded. "What is my cover?" "Sela recently had triplets, you will serve as her nanny," Spock informed. It was time to leave Labarre, France. The Captain and his newly adopted daughter, Marrissa had spent the past two weeks at the Picard Family Vineyards. Captain Jean-Luc Picard had enjoyed introducing Marrissa to her new relatives. Marrissa had enjoyed purchasing new T-shirts at Phillipe's Gift Shoppe. "Let's see those T-shirts before you pack," Jean-Luc Picard asked his daughter. "OK," she replied, holding up the first one. It was a traditional white one with the Eiffel Tower on a back ground of the old French flag . "Traditional, excellent choice," the Captain commented. The next one mimicked the colors of the Starfleet Command Branch Uniform and read, "Future Starship Captain." "I see you have a career plan," Jean-Luc replied. "You'll certainly make it to the Academy. Half my command crew is recommending you." "That's nice to know," Marrissa replied, holding up the next one. It was black with a picture of the Enterprise. It read, "Home Sweet Home." "This one I need some explanation for," Jean-Luc Picard inquired. "I was born at the Academy, I spent my first three years there," Marrissa began. "Then Mom and Dad were posted to the Galaxy for three years, and then to the Enterprise for the last six." "I can see why you consider the Enterprise home," her adopted father responded. "What's that last one?" Marrissa held up a light blue shirt with a view of the vineyards on it. It read, "I visited Labarre, France, Earth, Home of Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise." "Excuse me, I think I need to pay a call on Phillipe before we leave," Captain Picard replied as his communicator chirped. "Admiral Necheyev to Captain Picard," it said. "Picard here," he responded. "Please open visual contact," Necheyev ordered. "Marrissa hand me the PADD," Captain Picard ordered. Marrissa handed him the tan PADD. He typed in a couple commands and Admiral Necheyev appeared on screen. "Captain Picard," Necheyev began. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to delay your return to the Enterprise. I need a captain to evaluate cadets on the Maine." "Understood, I assume Commander Riker will have the Enterprise until I return?" Captain Picard inquired. "Yes, he will meet you back here at Earth in two weeks," Necheyev responded. "By the way, thanks for suggesting him and Counselor Troi as members of the Cardassian Negotiation team. They cut right thought those delaying tactics." "I told you he was good," Captain Picard responded. "I know, I just wish I could get him to accept a full time command," Necheyev responded. "But he will take nothing." "He's waiting until I'm promoted, and you know you aren't getting me out of the center seat," Captain Picard responded. "Why would we want to?" Necheyev grinned. "The Maine expects you tomorrow at 1500 hours. Starfleet out." Chapter One Romulas Romulan Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Let me get this strait, you want to take your three warbirds and attack and occupy Vulcan," the Chairman said, sarcastically. "Pardon me, but have you gone crazy?" "No," Sela replied. "We've wanted to take Vulcan for quite some time now. Until recently, Starfleet has had too strong of a border patrol for us to get though. However with the delayed arrival of the Virginia and the departure of the Marksman and the Odyssey, a rather large gap has opened. In addition, due to the recently finished eruption of war with the Cardassians, Starfleet has very few ships between the Neutral Zone and Vulcan." "You do have a point," the Chairman said. "All right, you can go. However, I'm assigning the Bloodwing and the Deathwing to assist you, and of coarse, should you fail, the Romulan Government will deny all knowledge of these orders." "Understood," Sela replied. "I will be underway shortly." Shuttle Garrett approaching the USS Maine. An Ambassador Class Starship Out in the distance, the ivory hull of the Starship Maine was visible. The shuttle made for her like an arrow, unbending in path. "Shuttle Garrett to Maine. Permission to come aboard," Captain Picard asked, though the communicator. "Maine here," Doctor Crusher's voice came. "Land in shuttlebay 2." "Acknowledged," Captain Picard said. "Garrett out." Marrissa, finally getting up the courage, then asked, "May I take her in?" "You aren't a certified pilot," Captain Picard dismissed. "Check again, Data certified me on STARDATE 47578," Marrissa replied. Captain Jean-Luc Picard pulled up her record and after looking at it said, "Take the helm, Marrissa. I've got to see what made 'Mister Conservative' give you such a high rating." "Scenic route?" Marrissa inquired. "Of coarse," Captain Picard responded. The shuttle approached the front edge of the saucer of the Maine. Reaching edge, the shuttle rolled over, so it was upside down relative to the Maine. Then it orbited around the saucer above the phaser array. Reaching the back of the saucer, she began righting the shuttle and diving down under the port warp engine. Then Marrissa began moving around the port pylon. Passing the shuttlebay, the shuttle rotated 180 degrees, fired a 2 second blasted of aft thrusters. This economical use of thrusters propelled the shuttle into the bay. Marrissa then glided the shuttle to a smooth landing. Such a smooth landing that Captain Picard was about to ask if she planned to touch down then realized that she had. Doctor Crusher and Wesley Crusher met the Captain and young Marrissa as they exited the shuttle. "Welcome aboard, Captain," Wesley greeted. "Good mourning Jean-Luc," Doctor Crusher said. "Did you enjoy your vacation?" "Very much so, Beverly," Captain Jean-Luc Picard said. "From the fact that you were on the bridge, can I assume that you were left in command?" "Unfortunately, Yes," Commander Beverly Crusher replied. "It seems that due to fleet wide transfers caused by that Cardassian attempt at taking Bajor, not only did I end up as the senior most officer until your arrival, but we are the only commissioned officers aboard." "You mean to tell me that Starfleet has given me a crew of 750 cadets and told me to evaluate them in the next two weeks with only one other commissioned officer?" Jean-Luc Picard exclaimed. "Just don't ask me to do that Saboteur Drill," Doctor Crusher said. "I'm not crawling though jefferies tubes evading security." "Sounds like fun," Marrissa spoke up. "Then the jobs yours," Captain Picard told his adopted daughter. "By the way, Captain, did you pilot that shuttle in?" Wesley asked. "When it past under that warp engine, the whole bridge crew was on edge." "No, I let Marrissa try her hand at piloting," Captain Picard responded. "Jean-Luc Picard, you never cease to amaze me," Doctor Crusher responded. "You use to order my son off the bridge when he was just 3 years older than Marrissa. Now you let a twelve year-old pilot you in." "I had to see why Data gave her a rating of Excellent on her pilot's license," Captain Picard said. "I've only seen Data give a rating of Satisfactory before." Romulan Warbird Adventure Commanding Officer's Suite, Nursery General Sela left the Romulan Space Navy Headquarters and beamed up to her flagship, the Adventure. She went directly to the nursery to check on her triplets. Since this was expected of her, no one every would think she was consulting with a Starfleet Admiral who was going to assist her in defecting. "Good Afternoon Saavik, how are my darling little girls," Sela inquired entering the room. "A handful as usual," Saavik replied. "How did your meeting go?" "Not as well as I had hoped," Sela replied, picking up one of her little girls. "The Chairman decided to assign two additional ships to the three we have managed to staff with my fellow defectors." "I suppose it can't be helped," Saavik replied. "The border patrol will not know of our planned crossing on the Federation side, but I've arranged for Admiral Necheyev to take care of us once we reach Vulcan. I'll see if I can get her to send more reinforcements to take care of those two new ships." "I just hope that Captain Sardok of the Deathwing doesn't do too much damage," Sela said. "He's got to be the Romulan's worse war hawk." Chapter Two Captain Picard arrived on the bridge of the USS Maine for his second day of evaluating cadets. "Captain on the Bridge," the tactical officer said, as the Captain exit the aft turbolift. "Status, Helm?" Picard inquired, walking toward the center seat. "Course 128 mark 8, warp 3," Cadet Szustakowski replied "Engineering?" Picard continued. "All systems functioning normally," Cadet Crusher's voice said from Engineering. "Tactical?" Picard inquired. "All weapons available with a seconds notice," Cadet Ross Lochard replied. "Shop is secure ... no wait ... power to all security systems is out on decks 3, 4, and 5, lights are out on decks 2 though 6." "Have security apprehend the person responsible," Captain Picard said sitting down in his chair. "However, no phasers are to be used. Lets see just how good you are." Marrissa was having the time of her life. She had disabled systems, evaded security and even used some of those practical jokes that Shayna had played on her, or mentioned as possible. Now however it was time to ditch her following. She settled down in a nearby lounge and picked up the story she had placed there earlier. By the time security had caught up to her, she was deeply into Nancy Drew and the Crumbling Wall. Seeing her sitting in the lounge facing the hall, the security officers stopped and asked, "Pardon me but has anyone passed by here in the last five minutes?" "A woman in a medical lab coat passed by here a few minutes ago heading toward main engineering," Marrissa replied. "If you hurry you might just catch her." "Can you describe her?" Cadet Gladstone asked. "She's got red long red hair, and three pips," Marrissa responded. The Three Security Cadets bolted out the door. As soon as they were gone, Marrissa ordered, "Computer, activate subroutine Alpha Gamma One, authorization Marrissa Hyden One Seven One Four." As the cadets ran down the hall, Cadet Gladstone decided that he should report in. "Gladstone to Bridge," he said. A transporter beam enveloped him and he disappeared. Then Cadet Tanner decided she better report the problem. She tapped her communicator and disappeared into a transporter beam as well. The final of the three Cadets decided that it wasn't wise to tap his communicator and took a near by turbolift to the bridge instead. Of course Marrissa wasn't going to make his trip easy. The turbolift stopped at Engineering, Sickbay, the Computer Core, and Ship's Mess before reaching the Bridge. Meanwhile Cadet Gladstone had materialized in the Brig. However he was missing several key items, most notably his communicator and uniform. Moments later, Cadet Tanner joined him. The Neutral Zone STARDATE 47603 USS Chicago It had been a normal cruise for the Nebula Class Starship Chicago. The Romulan Neutral Zone was quiet and the ship was operating at near peak efficiency, even though the ship's proximity to the zone had required them to be at condition 3 for the past week. Of course after another three weeks of this they would have shore-leave followed by a science mission. Of course such missions weren't as exciting as the ones that Galaxy Class starships, but then again what Captain wanted to deal with some of the other missions the Galaxies got. For instance, transporting the Betazed Ambassador at large, Laxwanna Troi. Captain Sam Morgan was brought out of his reverie by his tactical officer's announcement, "Five Romulan Warbirds decloaking." Straitening up in his chair, Captain Morgan ordered, "Hail them, notify the Border Patrol, requesting assistance, raise shields and go to RED ALERT." "They refuse to answer," the officer replied. First two, then all five opened fire on the Chicago. It tried to evade and return fire, but was unsuccessful and went up in a ball of plasma. Chapter Three After visiting several other parts of the ship, because of Marrissa's delaying program, Cadet Henderson arrived at the bridge. As he arrived, he discovered that Cadet Lochard had been left in command. Henderson addressed Cadet Lochard from the center of the bridge, "Sir, Cadets Tanner and Gladstone have disappeared in a transporter beam after attempting to report in with their communicators." "Computer, locations of Cadets Tanner and Gladstone?" Ross inquired. "Cadets Tanner and Gladstone are on the Bridge," The Computer replied as their uniforms and communicators materialized in front of the Cadet. At this Ross got up to examine them. As soon as he took one step toward the uniforms, a large quantity of strawberry juice materialized above him and soon he was covered with the sticky juice. At that Captain Picard walked in. "Captain permission to take the transporters off line?" Ross asked. "Permission granted, and go get yourself cleaned up," Picard responded. "Strawberry juice stains." As he entered the turbolift, Cadet Lochard tasted the liquid. "How did he know it was strawberry juice," Ross wondered. Minutes later, Cadet Lochard was returning from cleaning up. On the way back, the turbolift stopped to pick up another passenger. A blond hailed 12 year old girl entered and said, "Bridge." "Children are not allowed on the bridge," Cadet Lochard said. "I happen to be an exception," the girl replied. "Their are none," Ross replied sharply. "What was your grade in Regulation 220?" the girl asked. "C," Ross responded. "Then Cadet, I suggest you study your regulations a little more," the girl replied, as the turbolift doors opened and. She walked onto the bridge and said to Captain Picard, "Dad, this Cadet apparently needs to know regulations 23-4 and 214-2." The Cadet at the helm giggled, bringing Captain Picard's attention to her. "Cadet Szustakowski, would you care to inform Cadet Lochard of those regulations," he ordered. "You might want to inform him who wrote the last one as well." "Aye, Captain," Cadet Katherine Szustakowski replied. "Regulation 23 section 4, Commanding Officers of other starships have the right to be on the bridge and may take command of the ship in the event of the loss of the Captain and First Officer. Regulation 214 section 2, the Captain of a Kid's Crew will have all the rights and privileges of a Commanding Officer visiting at Starship. Written by Captains Picard and Morris, Commander Sisko, Cadet Szustakowski, and Marrissa Picard." "My daughter Marrissa here, is Captain of my Kid's Crew," Captain Picard replied. "now Marrissa is the Space Cadet Helm simulation set up?" "Yes, sir," Marrissa replied. "Are you still sure you want me to go up against them?" "Yes Marrissa, I want to see just how good you are," Captain Picard replied. The Neutral Zone STARDATE 47603 USS Phoenix It had been a quiet day on the Phoenix as well. So quiet that the crew was beginning to fall into a routine. As Captain George Grant came in to relieve his first officer, he commented, "Another day another dollar." "Sir?" Commander Chase asked. "Old Earth expression, Commander," Grant replied. "A dollar use to be a day's wages. The expression is one of boredom." "Captain, I'm afraid today isn't going to be one of those days," Lieutenant Johnson interrupted. "I'm receiving a call from the USS Chicago, requesting assistance. They are under attack by five Romulan Warbirds." "Acknowledge the signal, Go to RED ALERT," Captain George Grant said. "Lay in a coarse for the Chicago, maximum warp." "Starfleet Regulation 213 prohibits travel over warp 5," the Computer interrupted. "Override under section 4 of said regulation, under ship in distress," Captain Grant replied. Authorization Grant Alpha Two Three Three Engage." "Does the First Officer concur?" "Yes, authorization Chase Beta Two Three Four Now." "Maximum warp available," the computer replied. "Captain, the Pittsburgh is responding as well," Lieutenant Johnson informed. "Nearing battle coordinates," the Helmsman announced. "Drop out of warp, ready all weapons, raise shields," Grant ordered. As the Phoenix came out of warp, the Chicago exploded in a brilliant flash of red. However the crew of the Phoenix had no time to mourn, they where too busy trying to prevent that from happening to them. Soon they had some more help, as the Pittsburgh arrived. However, the Pittsburgh was not as well prepared as the Phoenix. Within minutes the Pittsburgh was a ball of expanding gas. "Captain," the Phoenix's tactical officer announced. "The Brittain and Philadelphia are responding." "Good, we are going to need them," Captain Grant replied. Chapter Four On the Romulan Flagship Adventure, General Sela was not happy. "Hail Captain Sardok," she ordered. "Captain Sardok says he's a little busy," the Communications officer replied. "Tell him that if he doesn't respond I'll make sure he'll never be busy again," Sela replied. "Sardok here. What can I do for you General?" "Sardok, we're wasting time here, the plan called for all the ships to be disabled," Sela said. "Not destroyed, that takes too much time. I'm going to disable a ship and let that hold their attention. Once they move to protect it, cloak and set a coarse for Vulcan. "Aye sir," Sardok replied. "Deathwing out." After closing the channel, Captain Sardok momentarily fumed. He did not like being under General Sela's command. In fact he thought that she was way to young to command. After all she was only four when he was given his first command. Never mind that was because his first command was captured and taken 20 years forward by the crew of the Enterprise-D. In the past month he had developed an extreme dislike to ever one under the age of 30, as far as he was concerned they were children. Sardok didn't like children. As a child, he had born the brunt of the teasing in school and his neighborhood. He believed that children would be allot better if they were not seen or heard. Lately he had decided that no child could do anything, so he now ignored them totally. Captain's Log USS Maine Captain Jean-Luc Picard recording. The Sulu Space Cadet Helm Training Scenario has just been completed. Third Place was Cadet Katherine Szustakowski. Second was Cadet Wesley Crusher. And much to my and the Cadets surprise, first place was my new daughter Marrissa. The Cadets are demanding a rematch. Captain Jean-Luc Picard was checking up on the bridge when the tactical officer on duty, Cadet Ross Lochard announced, "Incoming communication from Starfleet Command, Chief of Operations." "On Screen," Captain Jean-Luc Picard ordered. Admiral McGuire, Chief of Starfleet Operations appeared. "Captain Picard, I'm afraid I'm going to have to bring the Maine into active duty," the Admiral said. "The Romulans have invaded. Five warbirds crossed the Zone yesterday. They have since cloaked and their location is currently unknown. I'm sending the Maine to Vulcan to be joined by the Excaliber, the Oregon, the Washington, and the California. You will be in command. Please note that the last three are going to be running with skeleton crews." "Noted, Admiral," Captain Picard responded. "Anything else." "No, Captain," Admiral McGuire replied. "Starfleet out." "Well, it looks like I better chose a chain of command," Captain Picard said as the viewscreen returned to it's usual on rushing star view. "Now who has command experience?" Captain Picard looked around the Bridge. Carefully avoiding Marrissa, he looked a each Cadet. "This could be a problem," he commented, finally looking at Marrissa. "Marrissa, it looks like you are it. Computer, note in log, as of this STARDATE, the first officer of the USS Maine is Marrissa Amber Picard." "Captain, before you appoint another officer, I'd like to ask Cadet Lochard a few questions," Marrissa asked. "Go ahead." "Cadet, who was the saboteur in yesterday's drill?" Marrissa asked. "You were," Cadet Ross Lochard responded, shocking the bridge. "And how did you come to that conclusion?" Marrissa inquired. "First, Captain Picard, according to his reputation, would assign someone he knew could do it," the Cadet began to justify. "That makes the suspects in order of probability, Doctor Crusher, Wesley Crusher, Marrissa Picard, and Katherine Szustakowski. Doctor Crusher had an alibi. Second, the Captain identified the liquid as strawberry juice without tasting it. This eliminates Cadet Katherine Szustakowski, because he wouldn't know her juice preference. Wesley likes cherry juice better. That leaves Marrissa Picard." "Captain, I recommend Cadet Lochard for Security Chief," Marrissa recommended. "Agreed," Picard responded. "Any objections to Wesley for Second Officer and Chief Engineer." "I've never seen him in command, so I can't tell you about that, but as Chief Engineer, I'll certainly recommend him," Marrissa responded. "Go inform him, and bring him up to date on our revised mission," Captain Picard ordered. Romulan Warbird Adventure General Sela Commanding Sela entered her nursery. Although she did want to see her triplets, that was not why she was there. "Admiral, I have a encrypted message from Admiral McGuire for you," Sela informed her nanny. "Back to work, why can't I have more time to do things like be a nanny?" Saavik responded. "Thank you Sela, how long until we reach Vulcan?" "4 hours," Sela replied. Chapter Five USS Maine, Cadet Training Ship 1600 hours, Beta Shift. Marrissa Picard, First Officer, in command. The bridge was quiet, too quiet, Marrissa thought. She was use to the jovial bridge of her Kid's crew. This crew took their jobs too seriously. They only spoke when it was absolutely necessary. Marrissa wondered what it would take to get them to say anything, but then again, they were trying to look as business like as possible for this Cadet Cruise evaluation. As Marrissa was contemplating this, Cadet Henderson, the tactical officer on duty noticed something. "Captain, I'm detecting 5 subspace anomalies, traveling at warp 7," he announced. "Probable identification?" Marrissa asked. "Cloaked Romulan Warbirds," Cadet Henderson replied. "ETA to Vulcan CONN?" Marrissa asked. "3 minutes," the Cadet at the CONN replied. "Increase to maximum warp," Marrissa ordered. "Go to Red Alert. Captain Picard to the Bridge. All hands to Battle Stations." Though out the ship the call rang out. "RED ALERT, RED ALERT. Captain Picard to the Bridge. RED ALERT, ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS, RED ALERT. This is not a drill. Captain Picard to the Bridge. RED ALERT ..." Cadets swiftly moved to their posts. Some a little nervous, but that was perfectly normally in such a green crew. Their nervousness was alleviated some what by their confidence in their Commanding Officer, Captain Jean-Luc Picard. However the call for him to come to the bridge worried some. Back on the Bridge the CONN Cadet announced, "Nearing Vulcan." "Take us out of warp," Marrissa ordered. "Raise shields and turn us to face the anomalies. Tactical, ETA on the anomalies?" "90 seconds," Cadet Henderson said as Captain Picard entered the Bridge. "Status Number One?" Captain Picard asked his adopted daughter. "We've arrived at Vulcan," Marrissa began. "A couple minutes ago, Cadet Henderson discovered some subspace anomalies which were identified as Romulan Warbirds." "Hail them," Captain Picard ordered. Sela was in the nursery with her daughters when the came though. She preferred to be left alone with her children and their Nanny at these times, but their were time when duty called. This was one of them when her first officer called over the comm. channel, "Commander Silek to Captain Sela." "Captain, we've entered the Vulcan system, and a Federation Starship, the USS Maine is hailing us," Commander Silek said. "Transfer the call to the nursery," Sela ordered. "Are you sure?" Silek asked. "I want to easy that Captain into the idea of us defecting," Sela said. "You don't bring children into battle." "Transferring communication now," Silek responded as his face was replaced by a view of the bridge of the Maine. Captain Jean-Luc Picard was in the center seat, with his daughter on his right. The rest of the bridge was obviously staffed with cadets. "This is General Sela of the formally Romulan Warbird Adventure," Sela said, picking up little Tasha. "My counterparts and I would like to defect." "Pardon me if I find that hard to believe," Captain Picard replied. "After all you just punched your way across the Zone destroying two starships and disabling a third." "Excuse me, Nanny, perhaps you can talk to him better," Sela said, beckoning her Nanny into view. The slim figure of the Vulcan Lady of Star Fleet Intelligence, Admiral Saavik moved filled the screen. "Captain Picard, has something happened to the Enterprise?" she asked. "Docking latch damage witch coupled with my adoption of Marrissa, made a vacation sound like a good idea," Captain Picard. "Necheyev snared me to evaluate cadets when the personnel shortage got her. But enough small talk, what are you doing on a Romulan Warbird?" "Three of the five warbirds in this fleet are defecting members of the Romulan Star Fleet," Saavik said. "Spock thought it might be a good way for me to return to the Federation after his pon-farr. So I took the job of Nanny." "Three of the Five?" Picard questioned. At that Sela spoke up again, "the Proconsul thought that three wasn't enough, so we are going to have to try a little clandestine work." "What do you have in mind?" Picard asked. "Well first we need to give my three ships a cover, so if you will fire at these coordinates, we will decloak and play dead," Sela suggested. "Sound good, but what about the other ships?" Picard asked. "I'm now transmitting their shield frequencies," Sela replied. "That should give us the edge," Picard concluded. "Operation Cover begins a ten seconds, Maine out." When the channel was closed on the Maine, Captain Picard and his young crew moved into action. "Ops, send a copy of our last communication to Star Fleet Command, attention Chief of Star Fleet Operations. Shields up. Tactical, begin encoding the proper frequencies to go though those ship's shield. Marrissa, lets see some of those famous 20 minute tactics." "Tactical, fire phasers on those coordinates Sela gave us," Marrissa began. "CONN, course bearing one four two mark six, half-impluse, ready for evasive maneuvers." The Ambassador Class Starship Maine shot forward, phasers firing. The black areas of space her phasers hit quickly morphed into Romulan Warbirds, listing every which way. It appeared the hits had scored. However, two fresh Warbirds decloaked to the rear, disrupters glowing. "Kathy, hard to port," Marrissa ordered. "Tactical, return fire." Two glancing blows hit the starboard shields of the Maine. "Not bad," Captain Picard replied. "Captain, priority one message from Admiral Necheyev, requiring your immediate response," the tactical officer informed. "Transfer it to the ready room," Captain Picard said. "Marrissa, you have the bridge, try to keep it cleaner than your room." "Aye sir," Marrissa replied as her father left the Bridge. "CONN change coarse, 90 mark 290. Tactical, ready ventral phasers and photon torpedoes and fire ... now." One of the Romulan warbirds ran right into the fire, causing it to momentarily pause. This also slowed its counterpart, as it had to swerve to avoid the slowing Warbird. However, they quickly resumed tailing the Maine and the Ambassador class starship was simply not as well armed in the rear. Marrissa however didn't consider this a problem. "CONN, how close are the Romulan vessels?" "100 km off the starboard and port bows," Kathy replied. "I think they know my evasive pattern now." "Switch to pattern Delta," Marrissa ordered. "Go to maximum impluse. Marrissa to Engineering." "Crusher here." "Wes, give me everything you have and be prepared for a sudden stop," Marrissa ordered. "When that happens, I want every thing you have to the forward weapons for five seconds then resume normal power." "Aye sir," Wesley replied. "Engineering out." "CONN, how close are they now?" Marrissa asked. "90 meters and closing," Kathy replied. "Give me a constant read out Ops," Marrissa ordered. The Operations Cadet began reciting, "80 ... 70 ... 60 ... 50 ... 40 ... 30 ...." "Full stop now, fire forward phasers and torpedoes," Marrissa commanded, as Captain Picard quietly reentered the bridge. The Maine suddenly came to a complete stop. The Romulans shot by, trying to halt their plunge past the Maine. They came to a stop right in the fire from the Federation ship. Before they could turn to face the stationary starship, Marrissa ordered the Maine forward. This pushed them into a run, but a run that they could have reversed. Of course that chance at a reversal of fortunes was soon ended as a starship appeared in their paths ... The Excaliber Chapter Six The Romulan warbirds were being chased by the Maine when the Excaliber appeared in their path. The two pealed in opposite directions from the Excaliber. The two Ambassador class starships each took the warbird that went to their starboard. The Maine let loose a devastating round of photon torpedoes, pulling closer to the Romulan. The torpedoes traveled deep into the Romulan ship, through its shields and into the warp engines from the interior side. The resulting explosion tore the ship in half across it's mid-section. The Maine went though the middle of the exploding ship emerging unharmed on the other side. As the Maine pulled itself once again into clear space, the tactical officer announced, "The Excaliber reports that she has lost the other one." At that, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, had been standing beside the doors to the ready room since Marrissa had successfully viped the Romulans in front of her, spoke up, "Well done, Marrissa. Remind me to leave you in command more." "That's not going to be easy," Marrissa replied. "Why?" Picard asked. Marrissa just smiled, and inclined her head. "The Excaliber wishes to speak to you Captain," the Tactical Officer interrupted. "On screen," Captain Picard ordered. Captain Elizabeth Shelby appeared on her bridge. Lieutenant Commander Tasha Yarr stood behind her at tactical, and Commander Darryl Adin stood at Shelby's side in red. "This Captain Shelby of the Excaliber," Shelby began. "Pardon me, but I must compliment you on your tactics. I don't think my arrival was even necessary." "Compliment Marrissa here, Admiral Necheyev had me otherwise occupied," Captain Picard responded. "Marrissa, I don't know how you do it," Shelby said. "I was a Lieutenant Commander and twenty-eight years old before I got command of a ship in battle, and you've gotten battle command three times within a month of your twelfth birthday. Not to mention acquitted yourself admirably." "Thank you, Captain," Marrissa blushed. "Now Captain Picard, what was so important that it caused Admiral Necheyev to interrupted a battle in order to talk to you," Shelby inquired. "Orders which you are going to just love," Picard replied. "The three remaining Romulan warbirds are defectors. We are to off-load their personal, with the exception of General Sela and her staff and family, then take the three Warbirds to Earth for analyzing." "I hope you have another Commanding Officer," Shelby said. "Because Admiral Necheyev sent me here before I could pick up most of my staff. I've just got two members of my command crew; Commander Adin, my first officer; and Lieutenant Commander Tasha Yarr, my Second Officer and Chief of Security. The rest of my crew are all ranked below Lieutenant, and have no starship command training or experience." "Well, that means the only other person we have with such experience is Marrissa," Captain Picard replied. "Some how I don't think Star Fleet is going to like my next orders. Shelby, detach Commander Adin and Commander Yarr to command the Exploration and the Adventure, respectively. I'll command the Starburst and leave Marrissa in command of the Maine. I hope you can provide experienced core personnel for each warbird for me to add to these cadets." "Just barely," Shelby responded. "And I'll back you up on the Marrissa score." "Thank you, Maine out," Captain Picard ordered. After the view returned to the stars, he continued, "Open a channel to the Adventure." "Adventure responding," the tactical officer replied. "On Screen," Picard commanded. Sela appeared, this time on her bridge. Marrissa noted the instead of the usual Romulan symbol on white in the background, a downward pointing arrow with a silver cross on it, on a green background was displayed. "Captain Picard, it's so nice to be on your side for a change," Sela said. "I would have helped out, but you seemed to have everything in hand and I was worried that you wouldn't succeed, in which case I would have needed the cover." "You still may, one got away," Captain Picard replied. "Admiral Necheyev has ordered me to have your crew off-loaded on Vulcan. Then I am to take you and your family and staff to Earth. I've assigned you mother to command the Adventure, Commander Adin will have the Exploration, and I'll be on the Starburst." "I'll be enjoying my mother's company then," Sela replied. "You can beam over as soon as my men finish replacing the warbird insignia with the insignia of an old automobile company known as Pontiac." "Acknowledged, Maine out," Picard closed. Then as the screen switched to a view of the three no longer Romulan Warbirds, he addressed his adopted daughter, "So Marrissa, are you ready for another independent command?" "Willing and able, but not quite sure that means ready," Marrissa replied shyly. "Computer, per Starfleet orders, I am now in command of fleet consisting of the USS Maine, the USS Excaliber, and three Romulan Warbirds," Picard began. "As such I am now transferring command of the Maine to Marrissa Amber Picard, authorization Picard Alpha One Four Six Eight." "USS Maine now under command of Marrissa Amber Picard," the Computer intoned. "Thank you Captain," Marrissa said, sliding into her command tone. "Can you tell me who among the command crew you are taking?" "Just Cadet-Ensign Crusher," Captain Jean-Luc Picard replied. "Computer, this is Marrissa Picard, change first officer to Cadet Ross Lochard, and Second Officer to Cadet Katherine Szustakowski, authorization Marrissa Mozart four zero Jupiter five," she assigned. "Can you have Wes submit some suggestions for Chief Engineer before he leaves?" "Certainly Marrissa," her father replied. Chapter Seven Commander's Log Romulan Warbird Deathwing Commander Sardok recording. I am all that's left of the taskforce that was to take Vulcan. I told the Proconsul that Sela was too young to be trusted! Three Warbirds were apparently disabled and boarded. Another was destroyed by the Maine. Leaving me, the oldest and best of the Romulan Commanders. Since the capture of the three Warbirds, their crews have seemingly been off-loaded on Vulcan. They are now on a course to Earth. I am following in hopes that Earth will not detect my trace beside the fleet inbound. I believe staying undetected will be rather easy as the commander of this little fleet has assigned a twelve year old girl to command the Maine. Her inexperience and that of her cadet crew should allow me to remain undetected off her port side. USS Maine The Bridge's forward turbolift opened revealing Cadet Lochard and some of his fellow cadets at precisely 1600 hours. This prompted Marrissa to say, "1600 hours, Alpha Shift is relieved." As the shift change proceeded, Marrissa noticed the look she received from one of the older Cadets. It was one of contempt, seeming to say 'I don't know why you are in command.' Glancing at her First Officer, Ross Lochard, she could tell that he had noticed it as well. "Number One, my I see you in my Ready Room?" she asked. "Certainly," Cadet Lochard replied. Once she was in the Ready Room, Marrissa addressed her Number One, "was it my imagination, or does that Cadet at Ops not like me?" "You might say that," Ross replied. "Kathy told me to inform me of Cadet Herbert's off duty talk." "Go ahead, Mister Lochard," Marrissa prompted. "It seems Cadet Herbert doesn't believe you can command a starship," Ross continued. "She, furthermore believes that she could do a lot better. In fact she believes that her little brother could do better." "Hum, I'll have to look out for the little brother," Marrissa replied. "Send her in here, Dismissed." As Ross exited the Ready Room she pulled up Cadet Herbert's Record. Herbert, Janice Ann Born July 15, 2350 Parents: George Edward Herbert and Janice Ann Francis Herbert Cleveland, Ohio, Earth Siblings: Greg Edward, (2355) Current Rank: Third Year Cadet, GPA 2.678 Tactics 240: Grade B-, Kobayashi Maru Time 5 minutes 24.345890 seconds As she finished reading, Cadet Herbert entered the Ready Room. With a note of distaste on the last word she said, "You asked to see me, Captain." "Yes, Miss Herbert," Marrissa replied. "Please sit down." "I prefer to stand," Herbert replied, stiffly. "Very well," Marrissa replied. "I have been informed that you are not satisfied with the current command and are spreading dissatisfaction among my crew. Is that true?" "Permission to speak freely?" Herbert asked. Marrissa nodded her agreement. "I do not think you have any right to command this vessel and I have no idea what could have possessed Captain Picard to leave you, a twelve year old civilian in command." "Interesting Cadet," Marrissa replied. "You do have two things correct, I am a twelve year old civilian. However, I am also more experienced than most Lieutenants are. I have been in command during three separate battles, one minor one, where I disable a Galor class ship with the Enterprise's saucer; the Battle of Bajor, where I disabled another; and the one we just finished where I destroyed that Romulan Warbird." "Pardon me if I find that hard to believe," Cadet Herbert sneered. "You can check my record if you want," Marrissa said. "Any way, I am serving as Captain of the Maine per Captain Picard's orders. If you can not follow my orders because I am more than ten years younger than you, I suggest you find another career. Star Fleet does not tolerate officers who will not serve with someone based on some silly trait like age. I'll give you a while to think over that, however, if your behavior does not improve by the time we reach Earth, my evaluation will be lest than flattering. Dismissed." As Cadet Herbert left the Ready Room, Marrissa thought, I hope I don't have to do that again. But I do want to pursue a career in Star Fleet so I'm sure I'll have to reprimand Officers again some time. I just hope it's a long time coming. The beep of her communicator interrupted her thought. "Bridge to Captain, their is something I think you should see," Ross's voice informed. "On my way," Marrissa replied. Chapter Eight Marrissa approached her First Officer and another Cadet at an aft science console, and inquired, "What have you found Ross?" Cadet Lochard gestured at the station's main screen. "It looks like that scanning you ordered is bearing some fruit," Ross Lochard replied. "You'll not how the stars are moving directly to port?" The stars were arcing around one spot, instead of the straight path that the stars had elsewhere. "Interesting," Marrissa returned. "Bridge to Engineering." "Engineering, Virginia Szustakowski here," was the reply. "This is the Captain," Marrissa continued. "Can you confirm that port sensors are functioning normally?" After a moment, Virginia Szustakowski responded, "Port sensors are functioning normally." "Thank you, Bridge out," Marrissa acknowledged. "I knew that warbird would go there. Ops, message to the Starburst, 'I think I've found the missing item.'" "Starburst replies, 'I don't need it any more, trash it,'" Cadet Herbert replied. "Go to Yellow Alert," Marrissa ordered. "All hands at ready. Tactical, fire a torpedo at that anomaly." "Aye sir. Torpedo away," the Tactical Officer replied. The Torpedo streaked away from the Ambassador Class starship's forward torpedo bay. Reaching the anomaly it momentarily disappeared before it's blast brought the Romulan Warbird into view. "RED ALERT, All hands to Battle Stations," Marrissa ordered. "Shields up, Phasers ready. Load torpedoes. Prepare to fire." The Romulan Warbird began lobbing torpedoes from it's forward bay. However not at the Maine but its counterpart, the Excaliber. Not a single weapon was brought to bear on the Maine commanded by the twelve year old girl, despite the fact that it was the Maine which had discovered the Deathwing's position. "He really shouldn't ignore us," Marrissa responded, seeing the Deathwing's firing pattern. "Tactical, fire weapons, staggered pattern. First phasers then torpedoes. Lets see how long it takes for them to ignore us. CONN, take us behind the Warbird and keep us there." "Captain, we will reach the Terran System in two minutes," CONN informed Marrissa. "Then be ready to do a flip out of warp," Marrissa replied. "I know you've never tried it before, but I have ever confidence in your abilities. As soon as they drop out of warp I want you to do it, OK?" "Aye sir," the CONN Officer replied. "Romulans dropping out of warp." The Romulan warbird slid down out of warp, her helmsman obviously attempting to mimic the Maine's maneuver of earlier in the week. It didn't quite work as well as it had for the Maine at Vulcan. The Deathwing came out of warp near Neptune, the three formally Romulan came out of warp on the other side along with the Excaliber. The Maine however came out just short of Neptune, upside down and facing the Deathwing, it's phasers blazing and photon torpedoes streaking toward the besieged Romulan. Having no other target, the Deathwing was forced to deal with Marrissa and her crew of Cadets. Torpedoes flashed out of the Deathwing, toward the Maine and her young crew. "Tactical, use phasers to detonate those torpedoes as they leave the Warbird's shield," Marrissa ordered. "Follow up with our torpedoes following the phaser's targets." This soon caused the Romulan's forward shields to fail and as the torpedoes hit, the Romulan exploded in a flash of green plasma. The Maine emerged from behind the blast to find the Excaliber waiting. Not a single sign of battle was visible on the surface of the Maine. All who saw her as she proceeded to Earth orbit were amazed at the skill and bravery which the young girl and her crew had shown. This amazement in the abilities of the young Marrissa extended to the Cadets on the Bridge of the Maine. "Remind me never to underestimate a Picard," Cadet Ross Lochard complimented Marrissa. "Consider it done," Marrissa replied. Even Cadet Janice Herbert was impressed. "Captain, I'll never judge someone on their outward appearance again," she promised. "I hope not," was Marrissa's reply. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to see what I can do about getting a commendation for this bridge crew." The young blond haired girl entered her Ready Room. Chapter Nine Captain's Log USS Maine STARDATE 47613.38 Marrissa Amber Picard recording Most of the Cadets have beamed down to the Academy and resumed classes. My father has informed me that he and I are to meet with Admiral Necheyev and Admiral Lesard, the Commandant of Star Fleet Academy in an hour. My time aboard the Maine has been most educational. I've learned many things about starship command. Most notable, how to deal with people under my command who disagree with my being in command, something I have a feeling I'm going to have to deal with quite a bit. I've also, I hope, learnt how to evaluate those under my command better. The conference room was overpowering, or at least to Marrissa. The solid oak table itself was imposing, not to mention the view of the Golden Gate from the larger floor to ceiling window. The people in the room where by no means less impressive. Admiral Necheyev in her blond bun sat at the head of the table, showing no expression, as Marrissa presented her report of the weeks battles she had commanded the Maine in. The Commandant of Starfleet Academy was no encouragement to the shy girl. His twiddling thumbs just increased her nervousness. Only her adoptive father's approving smile, kept her from stuttering nervously. "... I received admirable help from all my officers," Marrissa concluded. "Most notably; Wesley Crusher, in the battle at Vulcan; Ross Lochard at both; and my CONN Officer at Neptune, Elizabeth Eden." "Thank you Miss Picard," Admiral Necheyev replied. "You may be seated. Captain Picard, normally we would be displeased over your placing Marrissa in command of the Maine, however you judgment has definitely proven sound. In fact, the Fleet Admiral himself, has asked that we reward young Marrissa. I spent the last two hours with Commandant Lesard determining that reward. Commandant?" "Marrissa Amber Picard, by the order of the Commanding Admiral, Starfleet," Admiral Lesard began. "I hereby grant you the full rank of Ensign with all it's privileges and responsibilities. Furthermore as Commandant of Star Fleet Academy, I hereby grant you credit for classes I have judged you to be proficient in, totaling 54 out of the 120 credits necessary to graduate form the Academy. I guarantee your admission to the Academy when you reach 14, if you don't get the remaining credits waved before then! Admiral Necheyev? "I have a feeling that your father would kill me if I station you anywhere other than the Enterprise," Necheyev began. "So you are hereby posted to the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D as a CONN Officer." "Admiral, when I have I ever even suggest that I would have done such a thing?" Picard asked. "STARDATE 42991, posting of Chief Medical Officer," Necheyev replied. Later that day, Captain Jean-Luc Picard boarded a runabout headed for Deep Space Nine with his daughter Marrissa. Marrissa was proudly wearing her new uniform, with it's shiny new Ensign's pip. "Not a bad vacation," Captain Picard commented. "I may start taking more of them." "I hope you aren't referring to those two battles I went though as a vacation," Marrissa responded. "Why not, I sat though both of them," her father replied. "Yes where was the Starbrust at Neptune?" Marrissa asked. "On the other side of the planet, making it's way around," the Captain responded. "May I suggest we turn in for the first part of the trip, it's been a long day." "You're telling me," Marrissa yawned. "I never want to see another evaluation form again." Epilogue Personal Log Ensign Marrissa Amber Picard I was greatly surprised when they gave me my ensign's pip. I asked my father if he had ever heard of such a thing happening before. It turns out he looked it up, having been interested himself. It seems that it is not without precedent but even then my age makes it very unusual. I enjoyed my time in command, even though I had some rather distasteful duties. I did not enjoy giving that speech to Cadet Herbert, but I think it did some good. Plus the distasteful parts will help me keep myself from getting a big head. I just hope that next time I'm in command I don't have to send any one to certain death, I'm not sure I can do that yet. I look forward to returning to the Enterprise and my friends. I'm going to enjoy telling Clara about this last week. Close Log. Where are they now? Captain Picard and Marrissa returned to the Enterprise, and Marrissa began her career in Starfleet. She spent many years moving up the ranks, becoming the youngest person to ever be promoted to every rank up to Rear Admiral. Before retiring she became Captain of the Enterprise. Her career is considered to be the finest example of a Star Fleet Officer. Cadet-Ensign Wesley Crusher spent many years out of Star Fleet, after the resigning to pursue training in his unique abilities. However he later returned to Star Fleet and married his Captain. Cadet Ross Lochard was assigned to the Enterprise upon graduation. He moved up in rank through promotions on other ships. Eventually he was assigned the post of Chief of Security on the Enterprise. He died at that post at the beginning of the War of Romulan Dissolution. Cadet Katherine Szustakowski married Ross Lochard. Before Ross was killed, she was assigned as Fighter Commander on the Stargazer. Transferred to the Enterprise under Marrissa Picard, she served with distinction until she retired. Cadet Janice Herbert was assigned as an Operations Officer on the Potemkin. She was remarked by her Captain to show immense sensitivity to alien life. She died to save a crew member who misunderstood an alien culture. Next in the Marrissa Stories Who Q? Where Q? Marrissa must negotiate a treaty when Q takes the adults off to a Mid-evil Castle town to defend it. Away From Home The Field Trip - The beginnings of the Kid's Crew in a tragic crash landing. The Away Mission - Marrissa gets to go on an away mission. An alien vessel is kidnapping the children of Dublin. And it's up to the Enterprise to save them Chasing Marrissa - Foiled in their two earlier attempts at capturing children, the Trakce kidnap Marrissa. The crew of the Enterprise take up ships and go after them. A Royal Mess Some one is killing the government of Essex. It is up to Marrissa and the Starship Enterprise to find out who. Time Speeder Marrissa has left the nest. On her way to pick up the Captain and First Officer of the Stargazer, a starship breaks the speed limit. While the new Second Officer chases them, the ship time travels into the 1990's. Now Marrissa must stop them from altering our time. A Royal Wedding Coming Soon, Marrissa gets married.