Path: news.inforamp.net!tor.istar!ott.istar!istar.net!winternet.com!nntp.primenet.com!news.cais.net!world1.bawave.com!newsfeed.internetmci.com!in2.uu.net!hearst.acc.Virginia.EDU!newslink.runet.edu!not-for-mail From: sratliff@runet.edu (Stephen Ratliff) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: REPOST TNG A Royal Mess 3/4 Date: 3 Jun 1996 19:19:44 GMT Organization: Radford University Lines: 642 Message-ID: <4ovdsg$mqk@newslink.runet.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: rucs2-gw.runet.edu X-Newsreader: TIN [UNIX 1.3 950824BETA PL0] Status: N _________________________________________________________________ | ___ STAR TREK | | ___....-----'---`-----....___ THE NEXT GENERATION | | ========================================= -------------------| | ___`---...SECTION...---'___ The Marrissa Stories | | (___) _|_3_|_ (___) | | \\____.-'_.---._`-.____// A Royal Mess | | ~~~~`._ `---' _.'~~~~ by Stephen Ratliff | | `-----' | |_______________________________________________________________| |SIXTH Story in the Series by Stephen Ratliff | Contains : parts 11-15 Chapters 10-14 Chapter Ten On the planet Essex, Marrissa and Clara had hit the deck as the security team matterialized in the Trakce ship of the Romulan Captain Tomallok. The dozen Security officers appeared arranged around the edge of the room, phasers drawn facing the half a dozen Romulans in the room. Tomallok reached for his disrupter. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Marrissa said from the floor. "I don't intend to die in at the hands of Federation interagaters," the Romulan Captain said. "Now get up off the floor and join me." He reached for the disrupter. A phaser beam hit him square in the chest. "I told him," Marrissa said as the rest of the Romulans surrendered. Then noticing Commander Riker she continued. "Commander, we need to locate Martin. From this room and how Tomallok spoke I believe he is here." "Worf has orders to look for him as soon as all the Trakce and Romulans are rounded up," Commander Riker said. "I had better check in. Riker to Enterprise." "This is the Enterprise, I'm sorry I can't talk much right now, Number One. I'm in the middle of a battle." "Just calling you to inform you that your daughter and Clara are back in safe hands." "Thank you, Commander, Enterprise out." "Just my luck, I undertake a mission and the Enterprise is attacked," Marrissa said. "Will I ever be able to try my own evasive manuevers, myself?" Up in space, the Trinity had just opened fire on thr Trakce vessel. Apparently the Trakce were not perpared for what ever type of phaser the Pope's ship was using and the beam went right though the shields. The Trakce ship when up in a cloud of Plasma. As its ally was no longer helpful, the Romulan ship turned to run. Unfortunately there was a problem with the Romulan's cloaking device. The shields went down but instead of the ship cloaking the Romulan's null singularity generator was ejected. This left them helpless. "Hail the Romulan, Ensign," Admiral Picard ordered Katherine Szustakowski. "The Romulans are responding." "On Screen." The Romulan Bridge appeared on the main veiw screen. "This is Admiral Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise. We request your immediate and unconditional surrender." The Romulan commander had just two words for the Admiral. "We Surrender." "Mister Data, take a crew over there. You will submit to Commander Data's command and disarm immediately. Enterprise out." "Hail the Trinity." "Pope Gregory the Twentieth is responding," Ensign Katherine Szustakowski replied. "On Screen," the Admiral responded. Pope Gregory the Twentieth looked very out of place sitting in the Command Chair of the Bridge of the Trinity, but no less than the rest of his crew. It was kind of funny to see a bridge like the one on the original Enterprise manned by monks and nuns and commanded by his holiness, Pope Gregory the Twentieth. On second thought, maybe the Pope was in the right place. There was an air of command coming from the man in the center seat and he sat like he belonged there. "This is Admiral Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise, thanks for the help." "God is always willing to lead a helping hand if you need him," the Pope responded. "What are you doing in the neighborhood?" the Admiral asked. "This is rather far from the Vatican." "I was visiting the Arch-Diocese of Garson's sector when I heard my services as a Religious Leader might be of service on my homeworld," the Pope replied. "Needless to say I set a course and set off at warp 4. Popes haven't had the chance to crown anyone for over 8 centuries. I'd like to end that drought." "Well I'll see that Queen Victoria contacts you to set up the details. Thanks again for the help," Picard said. "Don't thank me, thank the Lord, our God," the Pope responded. "I will, Enterprise out." "Incoming hail from the Independence," Szustakowski said. "On Screen," Picard said, yet another time. "Admiral, I have a problem," Jay Gordon said. "And what would that be?" Picard asked. "The upper level officers on this ship were placed in the brig by the Trakce and Romulans who took over the Independence," Jay said. "Since they couldn't use the computer, they powered the forcefields from life support circuits and they welded the doors shut though most of the ship so we can't even get to some of the trapped officers." "I'll send Commander LaForge over to solve your problem. Enterprise out." Captain Picard then began walk over toward the forward turbolift saying, "If anyone else calls me, tell them that I'm unavailable. Counselor, you have the bridge." It was his cousins Clara and Marrissa who finally found Martin. The ten year old boy had taken the confusion which the Enterprises rescue of his cousins had caused to escape into the forest. Marrissa and Clara wouldn't have found him either if it weren't for one thing that Clara had never done. "You know Marrissa, it's kind of strange," Clara said. "What's strange?" Marrissa asked "Here we are in a large forest, and I have never climbed a real tree," Clara replied. "Then we better rectify the matter," Marrissa said. "That tree over there looks like a good climbing tree. They began climbing up the stately oak tree, two Starfleet Officers under the age of fourteen. As they began to climb Marrissa noted, "I think someone has climbed this tree before." A voice came down from above, "Yes some one has and if you are Romulans, I'd suggest you climb back down and start running." Clara and Marrissa looked at each other and said in unison, "Martin." "You have five seconds," Martin replied. "Matin Sussex, we are not Romulan's," Marrissa shouted up the tree. "I'm Marrissa Picard of the Starship Enterprise and my friend here is Clara Sutter of the same." "If you are Marrissa Picard of the Starship Enterprise then what did you carve and were did you carve it on STARDATE 47577," Martin asked. "I carved the word twice next to my earlier carving of 'I was beaten by a bunch of kids' on Gul Ducats warship on his port blade," was Marrissa reply. "They could know that," Martin said. "What is your favorite drink?" "Strawberry juice," Marrissa replied. "I'm coming down," Martin said. A blond boy descended. He was shirtless, and was carrying his shirt like a bag, using only one arm to aid in his decent. He meet Marrissa and Clara on the ground. His shirt was full of acorns. "So you are the famous young Lieutenant," Martin said. "You have no idea how long I have wanted to meet you." "I can make a good guess, cousin," Marrissa said. "My guess is about a year." "Cousin?" Martin asked. "We were doing some research to determine who the heirs to this planet's throne were and all three of us here came up," Marrissa said. "You work out to be fifth in line and my third cousin. Clara works out to b e third and my third cousin. And finally I'm first in line." "Wow, I'm related to the famous youngest Lieutenant in Starfleet," Martin said. "What no comment as to being royalty?" Clara asked. "That Romulan told me that, I wasn't impressed," Martin said. "Then I began to analyze his motives and he grew most annoyed. How have you taken the recent turn of events." "Martin, you should become a Ship's Counselor," Marrissa said. "Tell me, have you ever considered going to Starfleet Academy?" "What kid hasn't after hearing about your exploits?" Martin said. "Marrissa we better report in," Clara said. "We don't want our parents to start worring." "Agreed," Marrissa said. "Martin, would you care to join us?" "Would I ever," Martin said. "Lieutenant Marrissa Picard to the Enterprise," Marrissa said after tapping her communicator. "Three to beam up." Chapter Eleven Captain's Log STARDATE 48835.12 Admiral Jean-Luc Picard recording We have successfully removed the Romulan and Trakce precence on the Planet Essex and solved the mystery of who was killing the government of Essex. Tomallok has admitted that he was behind the whole plot. The government of Romulus is denying all responsiblity. The prisoner transport Justice has arrived to take the Trakce and Romulan prisoners to the Minus IV rehabilitation colony. Mary Sussex arrived aboard it, per my instuctions, to pick up her son Martin. However they will not be departing for her bar on Starbase 127 for awhile as they will be attending the coronation of her Majesty, Queen Victoria the First of Essex. Captain Morris has finally been freed from her own brig where the Romulans had imprisoned her. She has commended Jay Gordon for his actions during her imprisonment and promoted him to full Ensign. I also add my commendation for his assistance in this system to this log. I also wish to commend, Lieutenant Marrissa Picard and Acting Ensign Clara Sutter for their bravery in during this mission. After reviewing Clara's record I am promoting her to full Ensign. Please note that this promotion is effective before Jay Gordon's. This holiness Pope Gregory the twentith, also recieves my appreciation, especaily after I discovered that his ship only has enough power for a phaser blast every three minutes. It takes alot of faith to go into battle with such armament. But the Pope seems to have plenty to spare. We still can find no reason for the Romulans mysterious ejection of its null singularity generator. I must assume that it was an act of God, as the Pope insists as their is no other explanation. Princess Marrissa Amber Picard was having a hard time getting her dress on right. "Now I know why I haven't worn a dress in two years," Marrissa said. "They're impossible to get right." "Stand still for a moment," Doctor Beverly Picard said as she adjusted the dress. "There. Robe please, Deanna." "You should dress up more often," Counselor Troi said. "The dress is very becoming." "You aren't the one in this uncomfortable garment," Marrissa replied. "Remind me not to become heir to any more planets." "It can't be that bad," Doctor Picard responded. "Well at least I now have a level 14 clearance," Marrissa said. "Fourteen," Doctor Picard said. "That's one below the Fleet Admiral and two above what your father has." "I guess there are some good reasons to be next in line to the throne," Marrissa said. "However, I still want the Queen to get married and have children as soon as possible, like you are." "How did you know I am pregnant?" the Doctor asked. "You know that tricorder that seems to be permanently attached to my hand," Marrissa responded. "It was a medical tricorder when you arrived back on the Enterprise." Suddenly their was a knock on the door, and from the other side someone said. "Princess Marrissa, your carriage is here." Outside the Prime Minister's residence, where Marrissa had been getting ready, stood a black open air carriage with gold edging. Hitched to the carriage were four black Arabian stallions. A man in royal livery sat in the front seat. Marrissa's father was already seated on in the carriage in the backward facing seat. He was wearing his dress uniform with all his medals arrayed across his chest. Marrissa climbed up to join her father sitting across from him. In front of her carriage and a little to the right stood Clara and her father's carriage. Clara apparently had had better luck with her dress. She sat facing backwards as her father Prince Daniel Sutter sat uncomfortable facing forward. As Marrissa watched he ran a finger around his dress uniform's collar. In front of Clara's carriage sat yet another carriage. This one contained Martin and his mother Mary. Mary apparently was more suited to her dress and Martin's tuxedo was obviously a good fit for the boy as he wasn't indicating a single sign of discomfort. At a signal from a man in royal livery standing at the end of the Prime Minister's residence, the column of Royals moved out. As the carriages passed the site of the old Royal Palace, already beginning to be rebuilt, Another carriage pulled out behind them and men on horseback in Royal Colors pulled out and surrounded each carriage. That is except for Marrissa's carriage, which in appreciation for Starfleet's help was surrounded by horses ridden by some of Worf's best security officers in dress uniforms, the yellow and black being in stark contrast to the red and gold of the royal uniforms. The last carriage meanwhile contained Queen Victoria the First and her Prime Minister. The Queen looked radiant in her purple robes across from the her recently recovered Prime Minister. The Prime Minister wore his tuxedo with a couple orders which the previous King had given him. As they left the palace grounds the sides of the road began to be filled by the cheering people of Essex. The lamp posts were decorated in the Red, Blue and Gold flag of Essex and Golden banners with a V R done in purple on them. In the crowd people also waved black flags with the current insignia of Starfleet on them, showing their appreciation of Starfleet's help in the latest problem. Marrissa smiled at the crowd. They neared the Cathedral of Saint Pauls. The first carriage stopped and Martin Sussex got out first and assisted a man in royal livery in helping his mother out. The Princess Mary's train was immediately picked up by the young girls picked out by the Queen. The carriage moved off and Clara's stopped in front of the Cathedral. Clara's father, Prince Daniel stepped off and helped his daughter down. Clara no longer, she had obviously adjusted to the role well and now the title Princess Clarrissa fit well as a four girls from the Kid's Crew's engineering department stepped forward to pick up Clarrissa's train. Then Marrissas carriage pulled up. Her father, Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, got out and helped Marrissa down. Four specially chosen young girls from the Enterprise stepped up to pick up her train. Into the Cathedral, they proceeded. First came Martin holding his mothers hand. Next came, Prince Daniel Sutter holding his daughter Clarrissas hand. Then Princess Marrissa entered, her adopted father holding her hand. Behind her stood her majesty, Queen Victoria, at her Prime Minister's side awaiting the signal for her to enter. Martin and his mother proceeded to their front row right-side seats as did Clara and her father. Marrissa took up her position in a seat on the far right of the altar, next to the crown. Her father walked back to the front row left side where the Command crew of the Enterprise sat. As the Pope was not yet ready to start, Marrissa looked around the room. Behind the crew of the Enterprise sat the Command Crew of the Independence. Jay Gordon having got the message that he was to have an aisle seat was guarding it jealously. Marrissa wondered if he knew what was in store for him. Next her eyes were drawn to the Master of Ceremonies, the only member of the Command Crew not in the front row. Lieutenant Commander Data stood on the left side of the altar in red and gold livery. As each of the guests to the coronation had arrived he had announced them with all their titles and honors. Now once again he spoke, "Her Majesty, Queen Victoria of Essex, first of that name. Defender of the Realm and Head of State, granddaughter of our late king of happy memory, King George the Fourth, escorted by her Majesty's Prime Minister, Sir William Lancaster, the member from South Londonderry, member of the order of the Defenders of Essex." The Queen of Essex began her procession down the aisle. She began it with some hesitation but as she progressed, she grew more confident. As she reached the altar, she kneeled. As she got back up, Pope Gregory the Twentieth began speaking. "Victoria of Essex, you come here today to be confirmed in your role as monarch of this planet. This is not an easy task, and definitely not one to be taken lightly. Before you mount the throne, I must ask you, are you willing to take on the responsibility? To be the example for all your people, those alive now and those who will be born in your reign. To defend your people to your last breath. To grant mercy to those accused and justice to those oppressed. To govern firmly during your life and to uphold the rights of your people." "I am willing," Victoria responded. "To those gathered within these walls and those without," the Pope continued. "Are you willing to live under the rule of this woman as your Queen. To have her guard your rights and serve you. To in times of trouble make decisions for you when time is of the essence. Do you want her as your Queen?" "We do," came the overwhelming response of the assembled crowd both within Saint Paul's and without. "Then take your rightful place by both hereditary and the approval of the people," the Pope said. "Would the heir to the throne step forward." Marrissa moved over to take Victoria's place before the Pope as Victoria took her seat in the throne before the altar. Marrissa was quite nervous, she hoped she didn't show it. "Princess Marrissa Amber Picard, you are noted as heir to this throne," the Pope said. "As such, I must now ask you are you ready to bear the responsibilities as I explained them to your royal cousin in the event that she is unable to? Are you also ready to support her in ways which she will need in the long reign ahead of her? To act as heir to the throne until and if she produces a heir?" "I am," Marrissa replied with a sight tremble. "Then bring the crown so we may crown your Queen," the Pope ordered. The Pope retreated to the throne which Victoria vacated to kneel before the altar. Marrissa retrieved the Crown and it's accompanying articles and approached the Pope. He picked up the crown and raised it above Victorias head. (Making sure it was oriented the right way) "I crown thee, Queen Victoria the First of Essex, Defender of Faith and Head of State." Lowering the crown onto her head he said. "God Save the Queen." The assembled crowd then responded with "God Save the Queen." Next he picked up an scepter from the cushion Marrissa bore. "Carry this Scepter to remember the weight of your rule." Barely audible from were Marrissa stood, the Queen muttered, "As if the crown weren't heavy enough." As this ended the crowning portion of the coronation, Data announced, "We pause now to thank the lord for our blessings." Chapter Twelve The next stage of the coronation was what Marrissa was going to enjoy, after her part in it was done. As the ancient Quaker melody 'A gift to be simple' played (never let it be said that Victoria didn't have a sense of humor), Marrissa returned to her seat and the Pope took a seat next to her. The Queen meanwhile pulled a large sword from beside the throne and placed it in her lap. When the song was over, Data announced, "Here on this Coronation Day, the crown wishes to reward many of her people and some not of her people. First as tradition dictates, the heir to the throne, Princess Marrissa Amber Picard, Lieutenant in Starfleet, Chief CONN Officer, Starship Enterprise NCC-1701-E. Please approach the throne." Marrissa got up and approached the throne. As she kneeled before it Queen Victoria began, "Seldom has a Queen had such a heir, many of you are familiar with the deeds of my heir. Her deeds have shown that this thirteen year-old is more mature than most, and certainly a good commanding officer. So with the consultation of my Prime Minister, I have decided not to wait until she turns eighteen to bestow upon her the traditional office of the heir to the throne. Rise, Princess of Covington, Duchess of Londonderry, Princess Marrissa Amber Flores Picard." Marrissa got up. Even though she knew it was coming, she still was embarrassed. As she returned to her seat, Data called out. "Prince Daniel. Approach the throne." "Since we have a large number of titles floating around," Victoria stated. "We hereby grant you the title of Duke of Yorkshire, a title your grandfather once held." "Princess Clarrissa Ann, Approach the throne." "Clarrissa, your talents as an Engineer have not escaped us," Victoria said. "Neither has your suggestions as to an excellent economic prospect. For both these reasons I hereby grant you the title of Marquise of Wessex." "Princess Mary Sussex, approach the throne." "We as noted earlier have a large number of titles floating around, and it has occurred to me that such a title would be helpful in your occupation. Therefore we grant you the title Duchess of Greenwich." "Martin Sussex, approach the throne." "As your mother has received the Duchy of Greenwich, we are granting you the traditional Earlship of the heir to that Dukedom, Rise Earl Flores." "Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, approach and kneel before the throne," Data intoned a sign of a smile darting across his face. Marrissa's father approached the throne glancing at Marrissa briefly, the message, 'If you arranged this ...' clear. He kneeled before the throne. "As the adopted father of our beloved heir, the Princess of Covington, we hereby grant you the titles, Guardian of Essex and Duke of New Brittany. We also knight you as the first knight of the realm, rise Sir Jean-Luc, Duke of New Brittany and First Knight of the Realm." As Jean-Luc Picard left the throne another glance was made to Marrissa, this one said, 'we will speak later.' "Jay Gordon, Captain of the Kids Crew of the Starship Independence, approach the throne." "Jay Gordon, we observed your bravery and your valor in defending this planet. It has not escaped our attention that you did not have to look for the ship who had locked up the regular crew. We are aware of the commendations you have received for your actions, However that does not stop us from adding ours, rise Sir Jay, knight of the realm." This went on for a couple hours, by the time the Queen and the royal family left all of the Command crew of the Enterprise were knights of the realm. Once again the royal family took off in carriages for a jaunt around the city ending at the site of the old Royal Palace. From there they beamed up to Enterprise for the Ball to be held later that night in the Main Shuttlebay. Doctor Picard and Counselor Troi with the assistance of mostly medical staff members were decorating the Main Shuttle bay. "Ensign Taurses, see if you can level that section of the Dance Floor with the rest of it," the Doctor ordered. "I don't think Jean-Luc will be able to tell that this was the main Shuttlebay after we are done." "I agree, especially with that oak dance floor and the star field ceiling," Deanna said. "Tell me, have you told him yet?" "Told him what?" Beverly asked. "I don't know, maybe that your pregnant," Deanna replied. "No, I thought that I better wait until Marrissa stops surprising him," Beverly replied "In that case, he should find out after you've gone into labor," Deanna said. "Marrissa and her friends never stop surprising people. Half my caseload of late it because they thought of something before some officer." "Point taken, I'm just glad they don't have anyone in our fields," Beverly replied. "I don't think I will be so lucky much longer," Deanna said. "I passed Marrissa and Martin on the way here. They were discussing the advantages of a ship's counselor." "At least he isn't a member of the Kids Crew," Beverly consoled. "There is that," Deanna said. "Here comes Data with those landscapes we ordered." Meanwhile Marrissa was trying to get a date for the ball. "Computer, open a private channel to Ensign Jay Gordon aboard the USS Independence." "One moment please," the Computer replied. Marrissa waited. "Jay Gordon, starship Independence, nice to see you again, Princess," Jay said. "Drop the title, Jay," Marrissa replied. "I was wondering if you would like to be my date for the Coronation Ball. I rather not go unescorted." "OK on two conditions," Jay replied. "One, your cousin doesn't give me any more titles, and two you don't wear that dress you were wearing earlier today." "That I can guarantee," Marrissa said. "I've found a much better dress that doesn't go NEAR touching the floor." "Then I will meet you at 1900 hours at your quarters, I assume you haven't moved?" Jay arranged. "Do you really think the Admiral would let me?" Marrissa responded. "I'll see you at 1900 hours then. Marrissa out." Just before 1900 hours Clara met Alexander at his quarters, "You look good in those Ambassadorial robes," Clara said. "Personally I wish they would find something more comfortable for ceremonial occasions for Klingon Ambassadors," Alexander said. "It's almost enough for me to start cursing Marrissa for getting me the job." "You know the only thing that is keeping Marrissa from cursing her new position?" Clara stated. "What?" Alexander asked sharply. "She now has a level fourteen clearance," Clara replied. "Boy, that must be uncomfortable, I've seen you like this before but that was when you were practicing with Jay and he accidentally stabbed you with his bat'leth." "Don't worry give me a half an hour in this out fit and I'll be my usual cheery self," Alexander replied. "I hope so," Clara said. "Dancing and grouchiness do not mix." Meanwhile Marrissa had just gotten her pink ruffled dress on when the door chimed. Beverly answered it and said, "Marrissa, your date is here." As Jay entered in his dress uniform, his face was blushing. "You show excellent taste, Marrissa." her father said. "In dates or dress," Marrissa asked causing Jay to blush again. "Both actually," Jean-Luc said. "I was worried that you'd leave yourself open for the evening." "I'd never get to dance then," Marrissa replied. "No one my age in Starfleet is allowed to fraternize with me because they're all at least two ranks below me. And most others wouldn't dare dance with the heir to the throne. So I chose my own partner, who I couldn't find a reason for anyone to object or put two and two together to get scandal." "You take good care of my daughter," Jean Luc Picard told Jay. "I will," Jay replied. "Oh and Ensign," the Admiral added. "Don't let anyone cut in." As Marrissa and Jay left the room, Beverly spoke up, "Jean-Luc there is something I've been meaning to tell you and now seems like as good a time as ever." "What is Beverly?" "I'm pregnant," she replied Jean-Luc Picard was speechless for a moment then he replied, "That is wonderful news. I'm finally going to be a father for real. If it wasn't for the fact that we have to attend a ball, I'd be tempted to take you out somewhere special to celebrate." "You can do that tomorrow," Beverly replied. "Alyssa has found a four star restaurant on the planet, that she thinks we would enjoy." "OK, tomorrow we will dine out and I'll leave Marrissa in command," Jean-Luc said. "Why Marrissa?" "Do you actually think that any other person other than Data won't have a hang over tomorrow?" Chapter Thirteen The Ball was in full swing by the time the Admiral and Doctor arrived. The Enterprise Pops (as the combined quartets were referred to) with the Essex Royal Symphony Orchestra were playing 'By the Beautiful Blue Danube' by Johann Strauss, jr. Marrissa and Jay could be seen gaily waltzing across the floor. "Jean-Luc, lets show Marrissa how it is done," Doctor Beverly Picard said. He took up her hand and they began as a new song was picked up by the Orchestra, 'Waltz of the Snowflakes' by Tchaikovsky. "My compliments on the decorations," Jean-Luc said to his wife. "If I didn't know better I'd say you had taken the roof off my shuttle bay." "Pay more attention to your dancing, Jean-Luc," Beverly replied. "You just stepped on to my foot." Later that evening when the orchestra was taking a break, the Admiral and Doctor where getting some refreshments. "So tell me more about how I did with the decorations," Beverly asked. "Oh, what, You really have done quite well," he replied, somewhat preoccupied. "A penny for your thoughts," Beverly asked. "Your news earlier got me thinking about Marrissa," he responded. "At first I was wondering what she would think about having a little brother or sister, having been an only child. Then I looked up and here she is, all grown up dancing across the floor with some young man." "I'd hardly consider 13 grown up and Jay's only 12," Beverly replied. "Yes, but Marrissa and I've been quite close and since you and I got back from our honeymoon, we've had none of the talks like we use to," Jean-Luc said. "She hasn't exactly had much time for anything since we got back," the Doctor responded. "But it will get back to normal soon, trust me Jean-Luc. I've got the voice of experience on my side." "You dance quite well, Jay," Marrissa said as they got some more punch. "Thank you, your highness," Jay replied. "You know I think I've finally found a phrase that annoys me more than being called Risa," Marrissa responded. "Really, your highness?" Jay replied. "What would that be?" "Your highness, Sir Jay," Marrissa said. "OK, Marrissa, I won't call you Princess, your highness or Risa," Jay bargined. "If you don't call me Sir Jay." "Agreed." Marrissa replied. "Care to take bets on who Commander Riker ends up spending the evening with?" Jay asked. Meanwhile across the room the Queen was seated by her Prime Minister, trying to get him to dance with her when the music started up again. "Come on William, Doctor Picard said you needed the exercise of this Ball, and I'd like you to dance with me. Stop being a bump on a log." "No, my Queen," William Lancaster replied. "It isn't right for the Prime Minister to dance with the Queen, much less date her." "Let's put it in simpler terms," Victoria responded. "I'm not married. Your dancing with me. And I don't care if you are Prime Minister or anything else, you are my date, you are dancing with me." As the band stuck up the Starship Waltz, a new composition by Data in its debut performance, everyone returned to the dance floor. This Included the Queen and her reluctant Prime Minister. After the ball was over and before the Queen left for the surface, Marrissa pulled her over for a quick chat. "Victoria, I have a couple requests," Marrissa said. "What is that?" the Queen asked. "I don't want to become Queen, so I want you to get married as soon as possible," Marrissa replied. "At least before Clara and I get married." "That isn't something you can plan Marrissa," Victoria replied. "Especially with someone like my Prime Minister. However I will try to do so, just don't get married as quickly as you've risen though the ranks in Starfleet." "I doubt I'll be marrying any time soon," Marrissa replied. "And one more thing, the Doctor is pregnant. I'd like if what ever sex the child she has is gets a title as soon as possible after it's birth. If only to prevent some jealousy toward a certain older sister." "That sound reasonable," the Queen replied. "And if Wesley would care to stop by Essex, I've got a knighthood waiting for him." "I'll tell him in my next letter," Marrissa responded. The next morning was a morning of departures. First the Pope left in his Miranda class vessel, the Trinity. Then the Independence prepared to leave, first hailing the Enterprise. "Enterprise, Lieutenant Marrissa Picard in command," Marrissa responded. "I was hoping Admiral Picard would be in," Captain Melaine Morris said as she appeared on screen. "Sorry, he took the Doctor down to the surface for a little shore-leave," Marrissa answered. "Are you sure we are taking about the same Jean-Luc Picard," Morris asked. "Hey, it's not every day that he learns that he is going to become a father," Marrissa justified. "Plus he's got 2 years of shore-leave saved up. If he doesn't take some of it Starfleet and Counselor Troi will get on his nerves until he does." "True my Counselor is getting on mine," Morris said. "Well give my regards to him and tell him thanks for the plum assignment." "Just don't enjoy diplomacy too much," Marrissa replied. "You will never get out of it." "You seem to have," Morris said. "Yes but I'm not a starship Captain yet," Marrissa said, "but I've heard that once Admiral Okie has found Captains he likes they don't leave his hands until they accept promotions." "I'll keep that in mind," Morris said. "Oh and my second officer wants to know if you and his son had a good time last night. Apparently Jay came home dead tired." "Yes, we did," Marrissa said. "Although I don't recommend dancing to midnight and then taking the bridge at 0800 the next mourning. I've discovered why my father drinks so much Earl Gray tea." "I will agree with that," Morris responded. "Well I better get going. I have 24 hours to get to Qari. Independence out." Epilogue "Marrissa, you are too busy for a girl your age," Admiral Picard said, entering his daughters room to find her working at her desk. "Most girls my age aren't Starfleet Lieutenants or heirs to the throne of some planet," Marrissa responded. "True but even so you have to much work, especially paper work," Jean-Luc Picard said. "And your room is simply not the place for it." "Where else am I going to do it?" Marrissa asked. "How about your office, across the hall," her father replied. "And I'm sure your new Yeoman will reduce your load some what." "I never thought you would agree to it," Marrissa said of her request for an office. "I hadn't been in your room that much until last night when I found you asleep writing a report at your desk," Jean-Luc Picard said. "After I put you to bed. I contacted Commander LaForge and pulled up a file you made titled Marrissa's perfect office. You'll find that Geordi followed your plans exactly or I will know why." The last was said in such a tone that meant that he would not be pleased with Geordi LaForge if there was any deviance from Marrissa's plans. "Thank you Dad," Marrissa said giving her father a hug. "And you definitely are right, I'm too busy. I think that I will leave this rewrite of my evaluation of Lieutenant Szustakowski until tomorrow. After all it's not needed for another month." "In that case, would you care for a little sword practice?" Jean-Luc asked. "I'd be delighted, Dad." Marrissa replied. Life returned to normal aboard the Enterprise and in the Picard family quarters. Until, the next problem that is. But that's another story ... The End. -- Stephen Ratliff CS Major, Radford University. sratliff@runet.edu Marrissa Stories Author homepage: http://www.cs.runet.edu/~sratliff/ Maintainer for the FAQs on alt.startrek.creative "Wait until you have four pips on that collar, you'll wish you'd gone into botany" - Captain Benjiman Sisko, DS9 "Rules of Engagement"