From sratliff@rucs2 Thu Apr 21 15:49:09 1994 Status: RO X-VM-v5-Data: ([nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil nil] ["32765" "Thu" "21" "April" "1994" "16:48:36" "-0400" "sratliff@rucs2.sunlab.cs.runet.edu" "sratliff@rucs2.sunlab.cs.runet.edu" nil "632" "Submission to archive: Cadet Cruise" "^From:" nil nil "4" nil "Submission to archive: Cadet Cruise" nil nil] nil) Return-Path: Received: from rucs2 by depot.cis.ksu.edu SMTP (8.6.7) id PAA14816; Thu, 21 Apr 1994 15:48:46 -0500 Received: from triton.cs.runet.edu (triton.sunlab.cs.runet.edu) by rucs2 (4.1/SMI-4.1) id AA03566; Thu, 21 Apr 94 16:48:38 EDT Message-Id: <9404212048.AA03566@rucs2> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Length: 32765 From: sratliff@rucs2.sunlab.cs.runet.edu To: jfy@cis.ksu.edu Subject: Submission to archive: Cadet Cruise Date: Thu, 21 Apr 1994 16:48:36 -0400 (EDT) Mr. Young This is my thrid startrek story. The others reached you via the regular channels. However, it appears that outgoing posts are not being sent out of Radford University. As the semester is nearing its end I am sending you the story to place int the archives. Sincerely Stephen B. Ratliff Star Trek ________ The Next Generation ___---'--------`--..____ ,-------------------.============================- (__________________<|_) `--.._______..--' | | ___,--' - _ / ,--' `--'Cadet | by Stephen Ratliff ~~~~~~~`-._ Cruise | `-.______,-' Prologue ~~~~~~~~ Captain Picard and his daughter were packing to return to the Enterprise. It had been a nice vacation at the Picard family vineyard in Lavar, France. But now it was time to leave. "How many T-shirts did you get in town this month?" Captain Jean-Luc Picard asked. "Four," Marrissa said, displaying them as she packed. The first was a white one with the french flag and the Effail Tower on it. The second one was colored like the Starfleet Command Branch Uniform with the Words Future Starship Captain across the back and front. The thrid was a white one with Golden Gate Bridge on it. The last was black with Captain Picard's picture cir. StarDate 42000 and the sky line of the small village of Lavar and the words I visited Lavar,France,Earth home of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. "Where did you get that one?" Captain Picard said with distaste. "The shop next to the Catholic Church," Marrissa Picard said "I'll be having a word with Phillipe before I leave," the Captain said. "That shirt needs to be sent to file 13." Marie Picard poked her head into the room. "Starfleet Command called," Marie said. "they want you to call them as soon as possible." Captain Picard entered the shuttle he had brought with him on the front lawn. He activated a screen and weaved he way though Starfleet bureaucrats intil the person who wanted to contact him, Admiral Theresa McGuire, was reached. "Captain Picard your orders have been changed," McGuire said. "You will be commanding a 2 week Cadet Cruise on the Maine starting stardate 45600." "Why the sudden change?" Captain Picard asked. "Szustakowski of the Roanoke was to do it but he is dead," Admiral McGuire said. "All of the other people who chould do it are otherwised engaged in the Cardassian War. And since the Enterprise will not be finshed with its upgrade/repairs you are the only Captain available." "Inform the Maine I and my daugher will be aboard at 1200 hours tommarrow. Captain Jean-Luc Picard out." The Romulan procouncil was debating with Sela over her planned attack. "With the Cardassian war going on the Federation Fleet is streached out," Sela said. "I could break though to Vulcan with just the three ships I own." "The Federation fleet has not withdrawn border patrol," The Procoucil responed. "The Chicago, The Stargazer, The Philladephia, it's not a patrol its a laughing stock," Sela replied. "Your plan does have merits," the Procoucil said after a pause. "You may proceed. But I am assigning The Bloodfire and Deathwing to your fleet." "Thank you," Sela said and walked out of the office Immedaitely after the meeting she went home to the Starburst. Everyone at Romulan Space Command assumed this was to check on her 2 month old triplets. However, this visit had more to do with talking to her babies 'Nanny'. "The plan is working," Sela began. "but the procoucil assigned the Bloodfire and Deathwing to our fleet." "Don't worry the plan will suceed," the Nanny replied. ^L Chapter One ~~~~~~~~~~~ Shuttle Garrett approaching USS Maine An Ambassidor Class Starship "May I take her in?" Marrissa asked. "You aren't a certified pilot," Captain Jean-Luc Picard said. "Check the shuttle's log," Marrissa said. "Data certified me on STARDATE 47477." "Then take the helm Marrissa," Captain Picard said. "Shuttle Garrett to USS Maine." Doctor Crushers voice came over the intercom, "Shuttle Garrett this is the Maine. Go ahead Garrett." "Garrett to Maine," Picard said. "Requesting clearance to land with Captain." "Land in the aft shuttlebay," The doctor replied. "I'll meet you there, Jean-Luc. Maine out." "Plot a course to the aft shuttlebay, Marrissa," the Captain said. "Scenic or Normal?" Marrissa asked. "Data gave you a rating of Excellent so lets take the scenic route," Picard said. The shuttle traveled along the underside of the saucer of the Maine. It neared the Warp Engines and cross behind the dorsal connecting the saucer section to the stardrive. The shuttle then drove under the starboard Warp Engine and circled the pilon until it came in line with the aft shuttlebay. While it was doing this Marrissa kept the window facing the most of ship she chould. The shuttle easied into the bay and landed so smoothly that Captain Picard asked when she planned to touch down 30 seconds after she had. Doctor Crusher and Westley Crusher were waiting for them when they exited the shuttle. "Welcome aboard Captain," Wesley said. "Enjoy your vacation Jean-Luc," Doctor Crusher said. "Very much so Beverly," Jean-Luc replied. "Did you pilot that shuttle in Captain?" Westly asked. "The whole bridge crew was on edge when it went under the Warp Engine." "No Marrissa piloted it in," Captain Picard stated. "You have got to be kidding." Westly replied. "Am I kidding Marrissa?" the Captain asked. "No" Marrissa replied. "I've got some bad news for you Captain," Dr Crusher said. "We are the only commissioned Star Fleet Officers aboard." "You mean that Starfleet gave me a ship with 750 cadets on board ," Captain Picard said," and only 2 Starfleet officers and told us to review them in 14 days." "Apparently son," Doctor crusher said. "One things for certain I'm not crawling though jefferies tubes replacing currcuits and evading security." "Sounds like fun," Marrissa said. "Then the job's yours," Captain Picard responded. The Neutral Zone STARDATE 47603 USS Chicago "5 Romulan Warbird decloaking," the Tactical Officer said. "Hail them," Captain Sam Morgan said. "Notify the Border Partol, Requesting assistance, raise shieds, and go to RED ALERT." "The refuse to answer," the officer responed. First two then all five fired on the Chicago. The Chicago resisted bravely but was destroyed. ^L Chapter Two ~~~~~~~~~~~ Captain Picard arrived on the bridge. "Captain on the bridge," the tactical offficer said as everyone snapped to attention. "Status, Helm," Picard asked. "Coarse 128 mark 8 warp 3," Cadet Szustakowski said. "Engineering," Picard contined "All systems functioning normally," Cadet Crushers voice filtered up from Engineering. "Tactical," Picard inquired. "All weapons available with a seconds notice," Cadet Ross Lochard replied. "Ship is secure ... no wait power to security systems is out on decks 3,4,and 5 as are lights on 3,4,5,6,and 7." "Ask security to apprehend the person responsable," Captain Picard said. "However, phaser usage is forbidden." Marrissa Picard was having the time of her life. Setting traps, evading security, hiding in cargobays while security passed by; this excerise was a kid's dream. She settled down in a crew longue and picked up a copy of Nancy Drew and the Cumbling Wall. When Security Cadets Tanner, Gladstone, and Henderson stopped by looking for the security breach she was deeply into the book and it took awhile for them to get her attention "Did you see any one go by in the last 5 minutes?" Cadet Gladstone asked. "A red-haired woman in a lab coat pasted by hear a minute ago," Marrissa replied. "She went toward Engineering. If you hurry you might catch her." The three bolted to the door. Marrissa meanwhile visited a near-by transporter room to insert some curcuits. Half-way to Engineering, Cadet Gladstone decided that he better report in," Gladstone to Bridge." Gladstone was enveloped by a transporter beam and disappeared. Cadet Tanner decided she better report this problem to the bridge and she suffer the same fate. Meanwhile Cadet Gladstone had appeared in the brig. However he was missing some items, namely a uniform and a communacator. Moments later Cadet Tanner joined him. Of Coarse Cadet Henderson was not as stupid and took a turbolift to the bridge. Via Sickbay, Engineeering, the Computer core, and the botanical gardens. Cadet Henderson arrived on the bridge. Cadet Lochard had been left in command earlier. Henderson addressed Cadet Lochard," Sir, Cadets Tanner and Gladstone disappeared in a transporter beam when they tried to report in." "Computer location of Cadets Tanner and Gladstone?" Ross inquired. "Cadets Tanner and Gladston are on the Bridge," the Computer replied as the uniforms and communicators of the said cadet appearred in front of Ross Lochard's feet. Shortly after the Uniforms appeared Ross got up to examine them. He was rewarded by two liters of a clear red liquid dropping on his head. Just then Captain Picard walked in. "Captain premission to take the transporters off line," Ross asked. "Premission Granted," Captain Picard said. Then looking at Lochard's soaked uniform and wet hair he said, "you may also have a break to clean that strawberry juice from your hair and uniform." Tasting the liquid for the first time Ross asked," How did you know it was strawberry juice?" "Lucky guess," Captain Picard said. To Cadet Henderson who releaved Lochard at tactical he ordered," Send someone to release the Cadets from the Brig." Five minutes later Cadet Lochard was returning from cleaning up. On the way back in the turbolift stopped to pick up another passenger. A blond haired 12 year old girl entered the turbolift and said, "Bridge." "Children are not allowed on the bridge," Ross said. "I happen to be an exception," the girl replied. "Their are NONE." "What was your grade in REG 220?" "C- but ... "Then I don't think you are the one to tell ME what to do, Cadet Lochard." Lochard was about continue when they arrived on the Bridge. The Girl walked out boldly to the Captain. Lockhard had barely exited the turbolift when she spoke to the Captain, "Cadet Lochard seems to need to know regulations 23-4 and 214-2." The Cadet at the helm tried to hold in a giggle. "Cadet Szustakowski, would you care to inform Cadet Lochard of those regulations," Captain Picard ordered. "Please list those personal aboard the Maine who wrote it." "Regulation 23 section 4," Cadet Szustakowski said, "Commanding Officers of other Starships have the right to be on the bridge of the ship they are traveling during normal conditions. Regulation 214 section 2, The Captain of a Kids crew will have all the rights and privledges of a Commanding Officer visisting a starship." "Marrissa is Captain of my Kid's crew," Captain Picard said. "Now Marrissa is the Space Cadet Helm simulation set up?" "Yes, Captain," Marrissa said. "However Cadet Sowers will be unable to particapate." "You will take her place," Captain Picard said. The Neutral Zone StarDate 47603 USS Phoenix "Request for assistance from the USS Chicago," Lieutenant Johnson said from tactical. "They are under attack by five Romulan Warbirds." "Acknowedge 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 said. "Override under section 4 of Regulation 213," Captain Grant said. "Athorization Grant Alpha One Zero Three." "Does the first Officer concure?" "Yes authorization Chase Beta Two Four Gamma." "Captain the Pittsburgh is reponding as well," Johnson said. "Nearing Battle coordinates," The helmsman said. "Take us out of warp," Grant replied. The Chicago exploded in a brillant white flash, but the Pheonix's crew had no time to mourn. They were to busy triying to prevent that from happening to them. Meanwhile the Pittsburgh arrived, phasers firing. However, The Romulans were ready and the Pittsburgh flashed out of exsistance as 25 torpedoes impacted it. "Captain the Philladephia and the Brittain are on their way," an ensign informed the Captain. 'We are going to need them,' Grant thought. ^L Chapter Three ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Neutral Zone USS Pheonix The Pheonix continued to pound the Romulans. A few minutes earlier the Philladelphia and the Brittain had arrived. The Romulans consintraited on the weakest of the three, the Britain. "Captain the Brittain is lossing life support," Johnson said. "Are their shields up?" Grant said. "Port side only." "Bring us up on the starbroard side and prepare to beam the crew off." "Captain the Warbirds have taken off," Johnson said as the transports began. "@#$%&***@" Grant responded. Captain's Log STARDATE 47605.3 StarFleet Cadet Training Vessel USS Maine Captain Jean-Luc Picard recording We have just commpleted the Space Cadet Helm Training Exercise. The thrid place Cadet was Katherine Szustakowski. Westly Crusher was second. And much to my and the rest of the Cadets Marrissa was First Place. The Cadets are asking for a rematch. "Incoming message from Starfleet Command, Department of Operations," Cadet Ross Lochard said." "On Screen," Captain Picard said. Admiral Theresa McGuire appeared on the viewscreen. Admiral McGuire believed in close ups so only her face was seen. "Captain Picard," the Chief of Starfleet Operations began, "four hours ago five Romulan warbirds crossed the Neutral Zone. They destroyed the Chicago and Pittsburgh and disabled the Brittain, before disappearing. Since we beleive that they are somewhere in federation space, I am ordering you to Vulcan to protect it. You will be in command of all the forces their. The Excaliber-G under Shelby will arrive in 20 hours. The Ambassidor class starships Oregan, Washington, and California will arrive with skeliton crews in 42 hours. Admiral McGuire out." "If we are going to be in a potental battle zone it would be advisable to have a set command chain," Captain Picard said. "So Marrissa." "Yes Dad," Marrissa replied. "As of this Stardate you are first officer of the Maine," Picard continued. "Ensign Crusher to the bridge." "Captain before you appoint any more people may I ask some questions of Cadet Lochard?" Marrissa requested. "Certainly, Number One." "Cadet, who do you think was the person behind the security drill two days ago?" Marrissa Picard asked. "You were," Ross replied. Looks of astonishment appeared around the room. "How did you decide that," Marrissa asked. "It had to be someone Captain Picard knew," Ross said. "Because Captain Picard would assign someone who he knew about. That makes the suspects, in order of probablity, Dr Crusher, Westly Crusher, Marrissa Picard, and Kather Szustakowski. Dr Crusher had an albi. You IDed the liquid as Strawberry juice. You wouldn't know if Katherine liked strawberry juice. Westly likes Cherry juice better. That leaves You." "I recommend Ross for security Cheif," Marrissa said. "Agreed," Picard said Westly Crusher entered the bridge. "Reporting as ordered sir." "Ensign Crusher, You are hearby appointed second offficer and chief enginer of the Maine," Captain Picard said. "Marrissa update him." Sela's Warbird "Report," The nanny said. "We are on coarse to Vulcan as planned," Sela said. "We have recieved an encrypted message from Admiral McGuire for you." "Thank you." ^L Chapter Four ~~~~~~~~~~~~ USS Maine, Starfleet Cadet Training ship 1600 hours, Beta shift, Marrissa Picard, first officer in command "5 subspace anomalies travel Warp 7 toward Vulcan detected," Cadet Henderson said. "ETA to Vulcan?" Marrissa asked. "5 minutes," was the reply. "Helm go to Warp 9.2," First Officer Marrissa Picard said. "Go to Red Alert. Captain Picard to the Bridge. Katherine Szustakowski to the Bridge." "Nearing Vulcan now," Cadet Diral said from the helm. "Take us out of Warp, Raise shields and rotate to face the incoming warbirds," Marrissa said. "Ready phasers and photon torpedoes." Captain Jean-Luc Picard arrived on the bridge. "Status, Number One," he asked. "Five Subspace anomolies traveling Warp 7 on a direct coarse for Vulcan have been spotted," Marrissa said. "ETA two minutes, sheilds have been raised and all weapons are prepared." Five Romulan Warbirds decloaked in front of the Maine. "Open hailing frequencies," Captain Picard said. Admiral Saavik appeared on screen. "Greetings Captain," she said. Looking puzzled she continued, "Captain Picard I thought you where on the Enterprise." A baby cried and Admiral Saavik picked it up. "I thought you were at Starfleet Command," Picard said. "What are you doing on a Romulan Warbird in its Nursery." "First This vessel and 2 others in this fleet are no longer property of the Romulan Goverment," Saavik responded. "Second, my reason for my present location is to deliver some Romulans seeking freedom from political opression. Unfortately We We unable to rid ourselves of two escorts. I request that you shot the three center warbirds in the coordinates I sending, so we may appear disabled, and then pursue till distruction the flanking Warbirds." "Have the coordinates been recieved?" Picard asked. A Cadet answered yes and Picard continued," I will inform Star Fleet Command of the situation meanwhile I will proceed with your request. Picard out. Send a Copy to this transmission to Starfleet Command. Marrissa if you please." "Helm coarse 0 mark 25 full impulse engage on my mark," Marrissa said. "Tactical fire phasers on the coordinates We recieved from Saavik. Helm engage." The Maine shot toward the Romulan wedge of warbirds, firing phasers. Disabling the middle three in quick succession with short blasts to certain spots on the wardbirds. The Warbirds dimmed but the outside warbirds turned and began tailing the Maine. "Prority One, message for Captain's Eyes only coming in." Cadet Henderson announced. "Can it be delayed," the Captain asked. "No sir" "I'll take it in the Ready Room," Picard said. "Number One you have the bridge, try to keep it cleaner that your room." "Aye sir," Marrissa said settling in to the big chair. "Marrissa to Westly Crusher." "Crusher here." "Wes can you give me a 10 percent power drop for 30 seconds on my mark?" Marrissa asked. "I can do it on 5 seconds notice," Westly Crusher said from Engineering. "Be ready," Marrissa said turning to Cadet Szustakowski she said "Kathy take the helm and begin that edvasive pattern that all most fooled me. Diral take science One and see if you can get me 12 tropedoes programmed to go though the Romulan sheilds." When Katherine had seated he self Marrissa ordered, "Kathy change coarse 108 mark 270 engage. Wes power drop NOW." As Marrissa got the word 'NOW' Out of her mouth a Romulan disrupter made a glancing blow on the Maine's sheilds. But it took 5 seconds for the Romulans to Resume tailing. "Your power drop ends in 3 .. 2 .. 1," Westly Crusher said from Engineering. The Maine sped up and the Romulans did as well (after a 4 second delay. "Diral are those tropedoes ready?" Marrissa asked. "Finished .. Now," Diral replied. "Set locks ahead and up 5 degrees," Marrissa said. "Viping on my mark Kathy." The Warbirds closed and began battering the aft shields. "NOW." The Maine went to full stop and the Romulans shot over it coming to full stop as well, right in the Maines firing locks. "Fire all weapons Mr. Henderson." Marrissa ordered, "Kathy close in on them." The Warbirds began to run as tropedoes hit them though their shields. They ran out of the Vulcan system, It was now time for them to be chased. But the Romulans chould have still turned back the tide of the battle if they tried. But as they neared the eadge of the system that became a vain hope for blocking their path was ... The Excalibur ^L Chapter Five ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Spying the Excaliber in their path the Warbirds split up. The Maine took the one that went right the Excaliber the left. The Excaliber chased its warbird intill the warbird cloaked. The Maine however was more sucessful. The torpedoes Diral had perpared passed though the warbirds shields and slamed into the warp engines creating a massive explosion the Maine passed though the remains of the warbird and met the Excaliber on the other side. Captain Jean-Luc Picard returned to the bridge after his talk with Admiral McGuire via codeded channels. "Status Number One," He asked. "One Romulan Warbird destroyed by us," Marrissa said. "The Other has cloaked in the area. All systems normal. The Excaliber has arrived." "Hail the Excaliber," Picard ordered turning toward the veiw screen. Captain Shelby appeared on screen. "Captain Shelby of the USS Excaliber NCC-1703-G reporting as ordered," she said. "Captain Shelby you ar going to 'love' our latest orders," Picard said. "How so?" "Those three other warbirds in the system are defectors," Picard said. "We are to depost all but 6 members of their crews on Vulcan and transport them to Earth ASAP." "I hope you have at least one C.O. to send," Shebly said. "I've only got Commander Adin and Lt.Commander Yarr and bunch of ensigns on my ship." "Personal is a problem," Picard responded. "I'm the only one here, the Washington, Oregan, and California are skeliton crews with Lt.s in command, no help there." "Is that Marrissa Flores behind you?" Captain Shelby asked. "It is but she is now my adopted daugther," Picard replied "Put her in command of the Maine," Shebly suggested. "She may not have rank but she has more exprience than anyone we are going to find." "Point taken," Picard said. "Prepare boarding parties I'll send 75 cadet to each ship, you supply the rest. Myself, Adin, and Yarr will command their crews. Maine out. Hail the Romulans." "Captain Sela here," Sela said. "Ready to recieve broarding parties and beam personal down to deffector processing center on Vulcan." "Have you been listening in?" Picard asked. "No but Admiral Saavik has been most informtive," Sela responded. "You will notice I am in the process of replacing the Warbird symbol on all my warbirds with and old symbol from a auto company known as Pontiac to avoid confusion so beam over when the symbol in finished in 5 minutes. I assum as owner I may come with my ships to Earth." "You and 5 others," Picard said. "See you in 5. Sela out." "Now down to business," Captain Picard said. "Computer note in Log. Per StarFleet orders Stardate 47608 I am now in command of a fleet consisting of the Maine, Excaliber and three Romulan warbirds. As such I am reassigning Command of the USS Maine to Marriss Picard athorization Picard Omega nine oh one two." "Maine now under the command of Marrissa Picard." "Captain who are you taking to the Romulan ship from the Command crew?" Marrissa asked "Cadet Westly Crusher." "Computer first officer is now Cadet Ross Lochard," Marrissa said. "Second officer Cadet Katherine Szustakowski. authorization Marrissa Beatpveen one eight one two." "First Officer now Cadet Ross Lochard, Second Officer now Cadet Katherine Szustakowski." Chapter Six ~~~~~~~~~~~ Cloaked Romulan Warbird Bloodfire Captain Sardak Commanding Captain's Log The Federation ships Maine and Excaliber have apparently destroyed the Deathwing and captured the Adventure, The Starburst and the Exploration. However they are so short of Commanding officers that the put a 12 year old GIRL in comand of the Maine. The Maine, Excaliber ant the three captured Romulan Warbirds have toward Earth. Vulcan is guarded by 3 Ambassitor Class starships so we are following the Earth bound fleet. I have choosen to follow 20 meters off the portside of the Maine and slightly above. Outside the Romulan vessel, the Earth bound fleet can be seen clearly. The Maine is the nearest vessel. Next comes the three Romulan vessels. And finally the Excaliber can be seen on the farside. USS Maine "1200 hours Alpha shift is releaved," Marrissa said. "Mr. Lochard, in my ready room." Various staff enter and exit and Marrissa Picard and Ross Lochard enter the Ready Room. "Mister Lochard what is this I hear about Cadet Tanner's transfer to the Adventure," Marrissa said as she sat behind the desk. "Cadet Tanner wwas still complaining about the present command structure despite several extra shifts," Ross said. "I beleived she was deturmental to moral. So I sent her to serve under Commander Adin." "Your actions were correct but you should have consulted me," Marrissa said. "I as commanding officer I must approve all transfers remember that in the future. Please make sure my record is available to all personal in order to end such decussion." Ross returned to the bridge. "Their is a sensor anomoly off the portside," Kevin Henderson said. "On screen," Ross said. On screen stars streamed by arcing around as certain spot. "Inform the Starburst, Captain to the Bridge." Marrissa entered the bridge. "I think we have found the missing Warbird, Captain." "Ready one torpedeo set to detonate on impact," Marrissa said. "10 percent power." "Message from the Starburst," A Cadet said, "If the Anomoly is the Romulan warbird. You are to destroy it completely." "Fire torpedo." A Torpedo arched out of the Maine. It impacted the Anomoly and reveled the Warbird. "Red Alert, All hands to battle stations," Marrissa ordered. The Bloodfire having decided that hiding would be useless from this point forward, fired torpedoes toward the Excaliber. The Maine was ingored because Captain Sardak beleived the Maine under 12 year-old Marrissa was not a treat. He was wrong. "Kathy get on their tail," Marrissa said. "Tactical fire phasers and photon torpedoes." "Nearing Terran System," Katherine Szustakoski said. "The Warbird is dropping out of Warp," Cadet Henderson said from tactical. "Following suit," Katherine said from the helm. The Bloodfire emerged from warp just short of Neptune. The Maine emerged in standard orbit of it. The Maine came about charging the Bloodfire. The Blood fire ingored it again going after the Exacaliber which had just arrived. The Maine once agian fired on the Bloodfire knocking out its shields. No longer able to ingore the Maine The Bloodfire fired torpedoes at the Maine. "Fire phasers at incoming torpedoes," Marrissa ordered. "Target torpedoes at the Warp Engines." The Maine's phasers detonated the Romulan Torpedoes just short of the Maine. Meanwhile the Maine's torpedoes impacted the Romulan Warp engines. The Warbird exploded like fireworks on the fourth of July. "Captain," Ross said. "Yes, Number One," Marrissa replied. "Remind me to never underestimate a Picard," Ross continued. ^L Epilogue ~~~~~~~~ Captain's Log STARDATE 47613.8 USS Maine Marrissa Picard Recording We have entered earth orbit and most of the crew has beamed back to the Academy. Tommarrow my Father and I will be returning to the Enterprise. However before we leave we are to attend a press confernce at Starfleet Headquarters with Admiral McGuire. Marrissa Picard, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Captain Shelby and Cadets Lochard, Shebly and Crusher, entered the crowded Press Confernce Room. Admiral McGuire, the new Starfleet Publicity Chief, was waiting as were several dozen members of the press. Around the room questions were being thrown around, like: How does a 12 year old get command of a starship? How did a Romulan Warbird get so deep into federation space? and How is Starfleet going to reward young Miss Picard? "Gentlemen and Ladies of the Press," Admiral McGuire began, "May I have your attention please. I will begin with an anouncement and then Myself and the other people you see here will answer you questions." The Room quieted down as the Admiral began, "As you know 8 days ago on Stardate 47605, 5 Romulan warbirds breached the Neutral Zone, destroying the Chicago, the Pittsburgh, and disabling the Brittain. The ships then proceed to Vulcan. Once there three ships defected. The Remaining to two attacked the USS Maine NCC-17715. One of them was destroyed. The other one eluded us intil yesterday when the Maine decovered and destroyed it near Neptune. Captain Jean-Luc Picard was in command of the Maine when the first one was destroyed, Marrissa Picard the second. However both kills are credited to Marrissa Picard. "The second item on my agenda is the rewards for those on the Maine who served with destinction and great bravrey. As you know the Maine is one of four Cadet training ships in Starfleet and the largest of those. As such it is crewed by Cadets and a small evaulation group. As such it is hard to find a reward for those who served so bravely. However, it has been decided that apon graduation those who were so noted will serve aboard the ferderation flagship USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D or her successor. These cadets are Westly Crusher, Ross Lochard, Katherine Szustakowski, Kevin Henderson, and Diral Bariel. "Starfleet also wishes to reward Marrissa Picard for her actions in this battle and at Bajor. It has been decided by the order of the President of the United Federation of Planets, with the Consent of the Commanding Admiral of Starfleet to grant Marrissa Amber Picard the rank of Ensign in Starfleet. Furthermore, Starfleet Academy has decided to give her 15 hours of credit in various coarses including Tactics 210 which she cause us to revise fully. "In addition to these announcements, Captain Picard has an additional one, Captain" Admiral McGuire yeilded the microphone to Captain Picard. Admiral McGuire sat down beside Marrissa who had been forced to take a seat after the last announcement. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press," Captain Picard began, "It is my pleasure to annouce today that Starfleet Academy is assigning one hundred Cadets to the Enterprise as an additional campus to releave over crowding at Starfleet Academy Sanfransico. The Cadets will not change the Enterprises Mission. Instead they will serve to further deversify the crew of the Enterprise. My Command crew will serve as staff and advisiors for the Cadets semester stay. Admiral?" "We will now take questions," McGuire said. Hands shot up. "We will begin with Sir Anthony Eden of the BBC." "Admiral Mc Guire, How did the Romulans get though the border patrol?" "The Romulan incursion was a result of the delayed arrival of the USS Virginia," Admiral Mc Guire said. "Its absence allowed a weakness to develop. The Romulans used this weakness and broke though. The Virginia as you know was solving the envoriomental crisis on the Planet Normandy. Now Brian Rather of World WIde Broadcasting." "Admiral Mc Guire or Captain Picard, How does a 12 year old get command of a starship?" Captain Picard looked to Admiral McGuire who nodded. "As always Rather either you or Brokaw gets down to the toughest question," Captain Picard said. "Marrissa was orignally put in command of the Enterprise saucer section, as you know on Stardate 47570 due to her Kobayshi Maru time of 20+ minutes. This decision was based on the fact we needed a crew to take the sacuer section away from the area. The saucer ran into Gul Ducat's ship on its way to Deep Space Nine and disabled it with out recieving injury. As we arrived at DS9 to pick up the saucer the War was declared and a dozen warships from Cardassia were spotted. There was not enough time to releave her so I assigned her to evacuate Deep Space Nine's civilian population. Halfway to Bajor Gul Ducat's newly repaired ship caught up to her and attacked. Marrissa defeated him agian. When we acquired the three warbirds were needed a Commanding Officer. There were just four officers for 5 ships, myself, Captain Shelby, Commander Adin, and Luientant Commander Yarr. As such I looked for people with some command exprience, Marrissa had the most of the people available so she got command of the Maine." And so the press confernce continued. Captain Picard and Marrissa weering her new uniform with it's shiney new rank pin, boarded the runabout Rio Grande to return to Deep Space Nine and the Enterprise. They were greeted by Major Kira. "Welcome aboard Captain." "If you are here who's in command of Deep Space Nine?" Marrissa Out of buffer space "I had the same question when the Rio Grande arrived," Commander Sisko said, joining them. "Apparrently Mr. Data volunteered." "Who is the first Officer he will lector this time?" Captain Picard asked. "Constuble Odo," Sisko said. "I didn't think Data had emotions, let alone a temper." "He doesn't," Picard replied, "but he has lectured every first officer he has had." Over the intercom Miles O'Brien announced, "Everyone better get seated, we take off in one minute." In a nervous voice he continued, "Keiko's driving." -=-=-=Coming this Fall=-=-=- Who Q? Where Q? (tenitive title) "I'm here to give your crew a more challenging week," Q said. "I've alraeady got a challenging week ahead," The Captain said "The Naklab system will be more than enough to occup my attention." "Oh yes the Naklab system," Q remarked. "I'm sure I can give you a more interesting time." "The Bres, Troac, and Sobians will only negoate with Captain Picard of the Enterprise as medaitor," the Captain said. "Not quite." "Captain Picard Reminder," The Computer interupted, "TAC 360 final exam in five minute on holodeck one." "You won't be there," Q said. "In fact no adult will." Ensign Marrissa Picard was waiting outside Holodeck One. The 13 year old waited 10 minutes past the appointed time. nervously tapping her foot. and then asked the Computer, "Computer locate Captain Jean-Luc Picard." "Captain Jean-Luc Picard is not aboard the Enterprise." "Ensign Picard to Commander Riker." "Commander Riker is not on board the Enterprise." "Computer who is presently in command of the the Enterprise." "The Senior officer aboard, Ensign Marrissa Amber Picard."