Cadet Cruise

by Stephen Ratliff

Marrissa Story #4. In which our hero assists her father in evaluating a ship full of Cadets.

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.