Title: A Royal Wedding Author: Stephen Ratlifff (sratliff@runet.edu) Series: TNG, Marrissa Stories Part: REP 1/1 Star Trek The next generation The Marrissa Stories A Royal Wedding revised version A sequel to Anne-Lise Paush's entry in the Marrissa Stories - Generations 2. by Stephen Ratliff This Story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental Star Trek is property of Paramount Pictures, a ViaCom company. Used with the deepest respect, and in poverty. The story is property of Stephen B. Ratliff, Copyright 1996. Notice (courtesy of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot. By order of the Author. This story is the 8th Marrissa Story, while this is not publication order, the author recommends reading them in the following order: Enterprized The Captain and the Doctor Battle For Bajor Time Speeder Cadet Cruise Premier Marqui Who Q? Where Q? A Royal Wedding Away From Home A New Generation A Royal Mess Falling Into Command This story, and many other pieces of Star Trek Fan Fiction, are available at the alt.startrek.creative (ASC) archive at: ftp://avairy.share.net/pub/startrek/ And index to the archive is provided on the world wide web at: http://avairy.share.net/~alara/ The author may be reached, by email: sratliff@runet.edu via his homepage: http://www.cs.runet.edu/~sratliff via snail mail: 5249 Lakeland Drive; Roanoke, VA 24018-3305. or by posting to alt.startrek.creative where he is serving as FAQ Maintainer. Dedicated to my Grandmother, Ocie Ratliff and The Guidance department of Cave Spring High School, Roanoke, VA Especially, Ms. Toni Tillman, head of the department. Acknowledgments: "This Nearly Was Mine" in the prologue, an except from "Twin Soliloquies" in Chapter Two and "Some Enchanted Evening" in Chapter Five is by Rogers and Hammerstein, from their musical "South Pacific." The line at the end of Chapter Four is from the MSTing of the previous version of this story, that MSTing was called "A Ratliff Wedding." by Adam Cadre. This story owns much to that MSTing. This story was proofread by Author's Foreword Well, I've revised. Some people don't believe I do this. I've revised four of my eleven stories so far. I find it's easier to write new stories then revise old ones. You become attached to scenes in your stories and it becomes harder to throw them out. I had quite a bit of trouble revising this one. I've thrown out roughly half of the story. A third of the remaining was untouched, as I just couldn't come up with anything better. I hope my writing is improving. After all I write to learn how to do better. Along the way to revising this story, several people offered help on this with suggestions and pointing out some problems I had. They are Adam Cadre, Jess and other members of the USENET newsgroup rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc for nit-picking; Alara Rogers and Daniel Jones for suggestions on how to make my stories better; Michael White and Shayna Sachs for encouragement and suggestions on character interaction. Also, My mom for introducing me to the works of Rogers and Hammerstien. I'd also like to thank the readers and authors on alt.startrek.creative for providing a supportive yet candid environment for the posting of this and other stories. Stephen Ratliff ^L Prologue Jay Gordon believed that Marrissa was dead. They had failed to retrieve her from the Nexus before it was consumed by a star. No one could survive the heat of a star or so he though. Now it was his duty as Acting-Captain of the Endeavor in Marrissa's absence to inform every one of her death. They had just recently returned from the Enterprise-E to the Endeavor. Jay however could not bring himself to the bridge where Marrissa once sat, Marrissa whom he loved. So instead he made the necessary announcements from his quarters. "Commander Jay Gordon to all Starfleet Personnel. I regret to inform you that our Captain, Princess Marrissa Amber Picard, heir to Essex, has perished in the line of duty. She was the finest example of a Starfleet officer and ship's Captain. She will be missed by all who knew her. Gordon out." He had tried so hard to keep his voice even but at the end the 'Gordon out' had come out in a sob. On Earth, millions of years ago, Marrissa was leaning over a rock thinking of how the previous mission had gone. Down below her, cave men were attacking a mammoth. As far as she knew the rest of the crew had succeeded and the Nexus was gone. From behind her, a familiar voice said, "What's a nice girl like you doing in a prehistoric place like this?" "Nice of you to stop by Q," Marrissa said, without turning around. "It seems my escape from the nexus sent me on a vacation. I hate vacations." "Oh really," Q responded. "Can't stand being off duty, can you? You and your father are too duty bound. It took him more than six decades to get a family life, and you appear to be following in his foot steps." "Appearances only," Marrissa remarked. "If Jay would get the nerve to propose, I'd accept before he had second thoughts." "You and that first officer of yours," Q matched. "Not too bad of a match, all things considered. He is currently in a most unpleasant mood, he thinks you are dead and blames himself. To make matters worse he's singing those awful showtunes." "Poor Jay," Marrissa replied. "Perhaps you can brighten his day." "How so?" Q inquired. "Let me be waiting when he enters the ready room," Marrissa asked. "I'm sure you will find the result, most entertaining." Alexander was nervous. He wasn't sure this was a good time to talk to Clara. She had been rather close to Marrissa. At Clara's dull 'come' he entered. Clara was lying down on her bed, staring at the ceiling. "You look terrible," he commented. "My Captain and best friend is dead," Clara began reciting. "I'm now second in line to a throne that I'm ill suited for and never wanted. To make it worse, I'm now in the direct line of succession, as it doesn't look like Victoria is getting married any time soon. That means I'm about to fall under enormous pressure to get married and have child, all of which takes me away from my job as Chief Engineer." "Well, I could reduce that list by one," Alexander offered. Something about that struck Clara funny. She broke into hysterical laughter. Tears flowed from her eyes. Through it all Alexander stood quietly, his Klingon face unreadable. As she sobered, Alex commented, "That was not the reaction I expected." "What did you expect?" Clara inquired. "I'm not sure, but that wasn't it," Alexander replied. "An answer would have been nice." "Alex, I need time to think," Clara responded. "Things have happened rather quickly. Marrissa's dead; Jay's Acting Captain, probably permanent; only my Dad stands between me and the throne of Essex; and I'm not ready to deal with it." "I understand you needing time to sort it out," Alexander began. "But someone better take command of this ship soon. I've been handling everything for the moment, but I can't do everything. With both you and Jay sitting in your cabins doing nothing, or in Jay's case singing old show tunes; I've got to handle everything. I'm Chief of Operations, not Command Track." "You want Jay functioning again," Clara said, sitting up and collecting herself. "I can do that. I'll get back to you on the other matter later." She stood up and straightened her yellow uniform. "Oh, Alex, next time, bathe before coming into my quarters." "Sorry, it took me four shifts to find someone to take command while I talked to you," Alexander responded. "I better get back to the bridge. For some reason I'm a little uneasy with Shayna in command." "Motion seconded," Clara responded. "Tell Shayna that I'll be returning to duty shortly, and Engineering better be above standard." "Aye, Commander." ^L Chapter One Jay sat in a darkened room. His eyes were stained with tears. On the table was an almost empty bottle of '62 Chateau Picard. "Computer, play music from South Pacific, usually excluded track," Jay ordered. A deep voice rose into song, and Jay's baritone joined it: "One dream in my heart One love to be living for One love to be living for This nearly was mine One girl for my dreams One partner in paradise This promise of paradise This nearly was mine Close to my heart she came Only to fly away Only to fly as Day flies from moon light Now, now I'm alone, Still dreaming of Paradise Still saying that Paradise Once nearly was mine. At the end of the song, Clara Sutter entered the room. She hadn't knocked. "Jay snap out of it," were the first words out of her mouth. "I came to get you to resume command, but I think you better wait until you get your emotions under control." "I am under control," Jay replied, with a sob. "Not according to that sob song," Clara said. "Why don't you go see Counselor Sussex." "It's not a sob song," Jay defended. "It happens to be part of an Academy Award Winning score." "It's a sob song," Clara asserted. "And no matter how well you're singing it, you are sitting here singing it, crying and avoiding going anywhere that even remotely reminds you of Marrissa. In my book that makes it a sob song. Now stop singing and crying over lost opportunities, and get to work. You're now in command of this vessel. You're suppose to set an example. So set one by doing your duty and confining your grief to your off hours. It's 1000 hours, and in case you've forgotten, that means it's two hours into your shift on the bridge and Alex isn't leaving until you arrive. Which means he's been in command for at least 4 shifts, since you didn't show up yesterday." After a visit to the Ship's Counselor, Martin Sussex, Jay had decided it would be a good idea to visit the bridge and the ready room that was now his. He missed Marrissa. True, he was in command, something he wanted, but that was a long range goal. Jay would give anything to sit at Marrissa's right hand again. As he entered the bridge, Alexander, who Marrissa had left in command when she left on that last mission, spoke up, "I was wondering when you would return to the bridge." "And you keep command for the past four shifts, just so you could see me," Jay replied. "Haven't I told you not to do that?" "Five shifts, and no you haven't, Marrissa has," Alexander replied. "That's right on my recommendations, but you will have to serve the rest of this shift," Jay replied. "If you chose to stay up that long then I'm making sure you are very tried when you get off duty even if I have to chase you around the ship, is that clear Lieutenant?" "Aye sir." "I'll be in the Ready Room if you need me, and when this shift is over we are doing laps around deck 9," Jay said, entering the ready room. Marrissa stood behind her sword cabinet in her ready room, neatly concealed from the view of any one who entered the room. As the door to the bridge opened, Marrissa barely suppressed a giggle. Commander Jay Gordon entered the room and moved around her desk, somewhat preoccupied. As he began to sit down in her chair she said. "To quote my father, 'I believe you are sitting in my chair.'" Jay looked up, startled. "Marrissa?" he exclaimed. "Yes, Jay," she replied. "You were expecting someone else?" "But how?" Jay asked, nearly speechless "Well when I realized that you had failed to lock on to me," Marrissa said. "I searched for away out. I remembered my father had gotten out with by wanting to go to a specific place. So since I couldn't decide on a place I just though I want to go Home. I ended up on earth about millions of years ago. Then Q stopped by and gave me a lift." "Maybe he isn't quite so annoying after all," Jay remarked, walking around the desk. "Oh, he has his days," Marrissa smiled. "Remind me to tell you about the time my father got him to baby-sit Jackie." "How about over dinner tonight?" Jay asked "Agreed," Marrissa responded. "Meet me in Holodeck Five, 1800 hours," Jay responded. "I assume you're planning a surprise inspection?" "As soon as Doctor Johnson certifies me fit for duty," Marrissa replied. "Q!" In a flash, Q appeared. "You rang, Captain," he asked, stretched out on Marrissa's desk. "Doctor Johnson's office, please," Marrissa responded. "But before I go, bets gentlemen on how many 'Captains' he says." "Three," Jay responded. "Two," Q remarked, "and no, I didn't cheat." Marrissa appeared next to the Doctor's terminal. She turned it to discover that it was a reminder from Clara to fill out her death certificate. As soon as she finished reading it, Doctor Jackson Johnson entered his office. "Ah, Doctor, I believe you won't be needing this reminder," Marrissa said. "Captain?" was the Doctor's puzzled reply. "Yes, Doctor," Marrissa responded. "Captain?" "What do you want, Doctor?" "Captain?" "Let me guess," Marrissa replied. "You thought I was dead." "The thought had crossed my mind," Doctor Johnson drawled, recovering from his momentary shock "Of course, now that you're here, there is that physical that you're overdue for." "Doctor Johnson, you have a one track mind," Captain Marrissa Picard commented. "Don't you even want to know how I got here." "I figure if you want to tell me, you will. If not," Doctor Jackson Johnson shrugged. "I'll just fail to certify you fit for duty." Marrissa smiled, "In that case Doctor, I better tell you." "That sounds like an excellent idea," Jackson Johnson responded. After finishing her physical, Marrissa called for Q to transport her to Jeffrey's tube 21 next to Main Engineering. Marrissa had discovered an interesting thing about Jeffrey's tube 21, when she took command of the Endeavor. Inside it you could hear all the conversation throughout Engineering. Marrissa was about to take advantage of that now. "Alexander Rozhenko, I see you finally left the bridge, and Jay, you just got to it," Clara's voice said. "What did I tell you about running though Engineering?" "That you would make sure that the Captain would make life miserable for both of us," was Jay's reply. "And since, Jay is now Acting-Captain, that threat just became empty," Alexander said. "What empty threat," Marrissa's voice came out from behind Clara. "Marrissa!" Clara said spinning around. "That's my name, Clara," Captain Picard said, exiting from the Jefferies tube. "Is there something you need?" "You're supposed to be dead," Clara stated flatly. "You should have known better," Marrissa replied. "I'm not about to let you get any closer to the throne. As I promised, your Engineering career is safe. Alex, you seem speechless." The Klingon replied, "To tell the truth, I'm wonder where you came from." "Jeffrey's tube 21," Marrissa replied. "No ..." "... Before that," Marrissa completed. Then Q appeared leaning on the Warp Core and standing on the rail surrounding it. "You were right, Captain, this is entertaining," he said. "That explains it," Alexander said. "Q isn't going to let anyone harm his favorite source of entertainment." "The Picard family has provided me with much amusement in the last couple decades," Q commented. "It would be a shame to lose any of them. Even though Jean-Luc has been such a bore since he became Commanding Admiral, Star Fleet." "Q, if you don't mind, I'd like you to get off my warp engines," Clara said. "As for Marrissa here. If you ever make me thing you are dead again ..." "You know I can't promise you that, Clara," Marrissa said. "We've got one more stop before I make my 'rumors' announcement. Who wants to join my surprise on Ross Lochard?" "I can't wait to see this," Clara said. "I agree, Ross has suffered though so much of our teasing it's a wonder he came abroad," Jay added. "Yet alone, stays aboard." "I certainly want to see what you have up your sleeve for Ross," Alexander commented. "Well then Q, have Captain Riker call for the Commanding Officer of the Endeavor, and make sure that he asks for it exactly that way," Marrissa ordered."I've been meaning to call on Riker for quite some time," Q replied before disappearing. "Well, Princess and Gentlemen, I think we are about to be needed on the bridge," Marrissa said. "I wish you hadn't made that announcement, Jay. I'm getting tried of those shocked expressions on my crew's faces." "I didn't know you where alive," Jay replied. "So don't blame me for your ride running late." ^L Chapter Two Captain William T. Riker was on the Bridge of the USS Enterprise-E when Q arrived. "Ah my dear Captain Riker, it has been awhile since I've seen you," Q announced. "Personally Q, I prefer it that way," Riker replied. "I'm sorry to hear that Captain," Q responded. "I happened to be in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd visit your ship. I was curious how you were holding up. I see you've gone though another first officer. A pity, Commander LaForge was so amusing. Oh well, I'll just have to dust off my book of Worf jokes." "If you don't mind, Q," Riker responded. "I'm no mood for jokes." "Oh yes, the fleet's finest Captain, present company not excluded, is presumed dead as a result of the Nexus's destruction by a collision with a star," Q commented. "I can see how that would depress you." "Why are you here, Q?" Riker asked. "Just to get you to contact the Commanding Officer of the Endeavor," Q replied. "That person asked me to have you do it making sure you don't reference names." "Q, why would Jay ask me do to that?" Riker asked. "You are so dense, Riker," Q responded. "If I were to tell you that, I'd ruin the surprise, and I don't want to do that." "All right Q, I'll do it," Riker said. "Open a channel to the Endeavor." "Channel Open," the tactical officer responded. "On screen," Riker ordered. A view of the bridge of the Endeavor appeared on the view screen. Lieutenant Commander Ross Lochard was sitting in the command chair. "Lieutenant, I need to speak with you commanding officer." "All right, I'll send for him," Lochard replied. He tapped his communicator. "Commander Jay Gordon report to the Bridge. You have an incoming communication." At that the aft turbolift doors opened. "Wrong Officer, Ross," came Marrissa's stern tone as she entered her bridge. "Captain?" was Lieutenant Commander Lochard's response. "Marrissa?" was Captain William T. Riker's. "The rumors of my death, were greatly exaggerated," Marrissa responded as Jay, Clara, and Alexander followed her on to the bridge. "I can see that, but how?" Riker replied. "Q didn't want to lose his favorite sparing partner so soon," Jay responded. "Actually, I found her on Earth around a million years ago," Q said. "Not good place for a Starship Captain, much less a Princess." "I'll certainly agree with that," Marrissa said. "By the way, have any of you contacted, my father, Starfleet or Essex with news of my 'death.'" "Only place I've noted it is in my log," Riker responded. "Same here," Jay chimed in. "With the notable exception of announcing it to the crew." "Good, you better correct your log, Captain Riker," Marrissa suggested. "You know how Star Fleet hates incorrect data in Captain's Logs. Some Captains have lost their command because of that." "Still after my chair, I see," Riker smiled. "Why would I want that old battle worn seat," Marrissa rejoined. "Mine's much more comfortable, and my ship is faster and more efficient." "One look at your living room on Essex tells me otherwise," Riker responded. "That's ridiculous," Marrissa replied. "Why would my living room give lie to my intentions toward your command?" "You know damn well," Riker answered. "I do, but the rest of StarFleet doesn't," Marrissa responded. "That's my problem, no one believes me," Riker remarked. "It is indeed," Marrissa stated. "Well I just thought I'd let you know that I'm still among the land of the living." "Message received. Is thier anything else?." "No, sir," "Then Enterprise out." As the view screen returned to a star field, Q said, "Well, I don't think I'll find any more entertainment here for awhile, so I'll be dropping it on Starfleet Headquarters. See you soon, Riker." "I hope not." As Marrissa walked toward holodeck five and her date with Jay, Clara came up beside her. "Out for a walk," Clara asked. "No, I'm dining with Jay in holodeck five," Marrissa responded. "I knew this was coming," Clara remarked. "Knew what?" Marrissa asked, curious. "That Jay has finally given up on hiding his love for you," Clara responded. "You should have heard his rendition of 'This Nearly Was Mine,' when he thought you were dead." "South Pacific," Marrissa remarked. "I remember him playing the lead in the Academy's production of it back in '76. He still remembers his lines?" "Oh yes, and he even sings it on tune, unlike Alex," Clara replied. Then Clara noticed that Marrissa wasn't in uniform. "Nice dress." Marrissa spun around, showing off the low backed navy blue satin dress. "I got it from Garak last time we were at Deep Space Nine," the Captain said. "I didn't think a uniform would be appropriate to wear to a date, and jumpsuits are a little too informal. So I'm willing to put up with a dress for a couple hours." They reached the holodeck doors. On the controls, a message was displayed. "Come on in, Marrissa," Marrissa read. "Well, if you'll excuse me, Clara, I believe I have a date." ^L Chapter Three Marrissa entered the holodeck She found herself on a beach. A path lead up the hillside to a copy of her castle on Essex. However the vegetation wasn't the temperate of Essex ... instead tropical palms waved. This put Marrissa in mind of a song. As she walked up the hill, she began softly singing it. "Wonder how I'd feel, living on a hillside, looking on an ocean, beautiful and still." She reached the top to find Jay Gordon, dressed in a navy blue suit, waiting. "You look beautiful tonight, Marrissa," he commented. Marrissa blushed. Jay took her arm and lead her over to the black iron table. He pulled out a chair, and Marrissa sat down on the white cushion. "The waiter will be with us in a moment. You really should wear dresses more often." "I usually can't stand the latest fashions," Marrissa responded. "Garak made this one after I complained about the fashions being uncomfortable." "I know what you mean," Jay mused. "I don't think their is such a thing as men's formal wear with a comfortable collar." "Talk to Garak," Marrissa replied. "He may be able to do something." "May I take your order?" Q said as he appeared in a tuxedo. "Jay, this is not the best way to start a date," Marrissa commented. "You honestly think I'd ask him to be a part of any of my plans," Jay inquired. Marrissa appeared to consider it, then replied, "No, not really, should we ask why he's here?" "No, but since he's here, lets let him take our orders," Jay responded. "Good idea," Marrissa seconded. "Q, I'll have the 8 oz prime rib steak, well done, baked potato, and toss salad with French dressing." "And I'll have the 8 oz. T-bone steak, baked potato, and toss salad with ranch dressing," Jay ordered. "And what will you have for your drink?" Q asked. "I'll have the 2363 Chateau Picard," Marrissa requested. "I bow to your superior knowledge of wines, Marrissa," Jay complimented. "I'll have the same, Q." "Your meal will arrive momentarily," Q informed. "So, Marrissa, you were going to tell me how your father got Q to baby-sit your little sister," Jay inquired. "Well, it was just after I had transferred to the Stargazer as her Second Officer," Marrissa began. "Dad had been planning on going to an archeological trip with the Doctor on some resort planet. He, of course, had been expecting me to baby-sit Jackie while he was gone. Then I got the promotion off ship. He had willingly submitted his approval weeks before, but neither of us really thought I'd get it." "I bet that was a shock to him," Jay interjected. "If it was, he didn't show it," Marrissa commented. "Anyway, Dad was musing over who could watch over the little two-year-old. Riker wasn't an option, he had just married Counselor Troi. Data was back at the Academy, working on some project. For some reason, La Forge never popped into his mind, even though Dad was leaving him in command." "Well Captain La Forge always did have trouble getting dates," Jay responded. "Until he got that Captain's pip," Marrissa confirmed. "In any case, while Dad was going over the alternatives, Q decided to pay a visit. After Q's usual annoying greeting, Dad asked him if he didn't have anything better to do. Q replied no, and Dad said 'then you can watch my youngest daughter while I'm on vacation with the Doctor.'" "I bet Doctor Picard objected," Jay said. "She claims she didn't but I have on good authority that she did," Marrissa responded. "Oh, she objected all right," Q said, as he placed the steaming hot steaks in front of the two. "She said that she didn't believe that I was responsible enough. Then she said something about not getting Jackie back. Believe me, when it came time to return that two year-old back, I was more than willing. Enjoy your meal." Q vanished. After they finished their meal, Jay asked. "Shall we go dancing?" "Sounds like a wonderful idea to me," Marrissa replied. "Do you still remember how to waltz." "Waltz, polka, fox-trot, and even tango," Jay replied. "Computer, change program, San Fransico's Starlight Ballroom and Bar." The scene changed to a room with seemingly no ceiling, open to the stars. An arch opened to a lobby, which could only be seen though the arch. If you tried to look around the other side you saw a continuation of the ballroom. The floor was mirrored title. Over on one side was an ebony covered bar. Toward another was the orchestra. After the couple had time to take in the room, they struck up "Les Patineurs" or "The Skaters' Waltz" by Waldteufel. Jay took Marrissa's hand, and they began waltzing across the endless room. The next morning, Marrissa began her daily tour of the ship in Engineering. Clara met her next to the warp core. "I see you had fun with Jay last night," Clara stated. "You can tell?" Marrissa blushed. "Marrissa, your positively glowing," Clara responded. "You've got a smile that seems to be permanently glued to your face and you walked right by a smudge on the wall without a single comment." "Oh, its affecting my command," Marrissa commented, still smiling. "I'll have to remember to read something depressing before touring the ship tomorrow." "Jay must have done a good job with his enchanted evening," Clara responded. "Oh, it was enchanted all right," Marrissa replied. "I don't think he can top it tonight." "Hey, this is Jay we are taking about," Clara remarked. "He can top anything. You do remember how he bought you from the King of Nadek after he captured you." "Oh, that was a bidding war," Marrissa remembered. "It's not every day that a man is willing to pay two shuttle crafts full of diamonds and rubies for a woman." "I wonder if King Savoll knew he was replicating them all," Clara mused. "Why do you think he asked for two shuttle crafts full?" Marrissa stated. The next day, Clara met Marrissa on the bridge, having missed her swing through engineering. Marrissa was in fine form, explaining the tactical station to a newly assigned ensign. "I thought that was Ross's job," Clara commented as she entered the bridge. "Normally, yes," Captain Picard responded, "but I gave him a day off. He needed it. You realize he hasn't taken one off in two years? And since I use to be Chief of Security on the Enterprise-E, I figured I could explain anything that came up." "That's been seven, eight years," Clara stated. "Seven, and things don't change that much," Marrissa replied. "Unless I miss my guess, you'd like to see me in my ready room." "Lead the way," Clara responded. After entering the ready room, Clara and Marrissa sat down on her sofa. Marrissa took on an air of resignation and said, "Now I suppose your going to grill me on my night with Jay." "Mar-ris-sa, you're my commanding officer, you're supposed to grill me," Clara responded. "And pigs fly," Marrissa replied. "Of course as third in line to the throne to Essex, I have to know anything that effects those ahead of me," Clara justified. "Right, so you are about to grill me on how my night with Jay went," Marrissa stated. "You've got a half an hour till lunch time." "So, how was it?" Clara asked. "In a word, indescribable," Marrissa replied. "I don't know how he'll top dinner, theater and dancing." "I have an idea," Clara responded. "Oh." "I'm sworn to secrecy. What was the play?" "The Doctor's rewrite of Romeo and Juliet into a comedy. The 2375 production after I left the Enterprise." "The one you wished she had produced earlier?" "Yeah, I had the lead until I got the transfer the day before the play opened. Not that Shayna did a bad job." "If you don't count the time she fell off the balcony..." "Into Romeo's arms. That wasn't a last minute script change?" Marrissa smiled. "Nope, you should have seen how embarrassed she was after the performance." "I'll bet," Marrissa commented, as she looked at Clara. Something was differant about her, but Marrissa couldn't quite figure what. "Now that I've told you about my date, maybe you can tell me what's going on in yours." Clara smiled. "I've accepted Alex's proposal," she said, her cheek's blushing. "When did this happen?" "He proposed before I found out you were still alive. I told him I needed a while to think about it. When I said yes yesterday evening, he was quite surprised." "He probably thought that you were trying to let him down easy." "Nah, if he thought that, he would have taken it as a challenge." ^L Chapter Four Commander Jay Gordon was nervous. He had faced Romulans, Cardassians, and Gorn, with less nervousness. Heck, he had even faced down some of the best Klingon warriors the last time the Endeavor visited Kronos. The nervousness he then was nothing like the way he was feeling as Marrissa sat across the table, nibbling on her strawberry shortcake. His mind swam with possible responses to both her refusal and her acceptance. Well, it was now or never time. Marrissa had finished her cake. Jay Gordon slipped a small box out from under the table and slid on to his knees beside Marrissa. "Marrissa, will you marry me?" Jay asked, sweating. Marrissa smiled and said, "I will." Jay was nearly speechless. He opened the box and pulled out the 4 caret diamond ring with two dark amethysts to match Marrissa's eyes beside it. He placed it on her finger. Then Marrissa pulled him up into her arms and began a long passionate kiss. The next morning, Marrissa returned to her ready room. Looking at the painting over her sofa named 'A Early Mission,' she briefly thought of that first mission in the forests of DOAllen. She remembered how Jay and Alex had piloted that shuttle to such a smooth landing that even Data was surprised. Shaking her self out of that reminiscing, she had had enough of that in the last week, she sat down and opened a channel to Starfleet Headquarters, office of the Commanding Admiral. Her father's secretary, Lieutenant Sirek, answered, "Office of the Commanding Admiral, Starfleet, how may I help you." "Is my father in, Sirek?" Marrissa asked. "He is presently in a meeting with Captain Beverly Picard," Sirek replied. "You mean he is having breakfast with his wife," Marrissa restated. "Tell him that Marrissa has news he and the Doctor would like to know." The image paused for a moment, then Lieutenant Sirek said, "Transferring communication now." The image changed to a modest office behind the desk sat Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. To his right with her arm on one side of the desk sat Captain Beverly Picard, C.O. of the Pasteur. "Good Morning Marrissa, Sirek said, you had something we'd like to know," Admiral Picard said. "Yes I do, Jay finally proposed," Marrissa said. "We will be getting married as soon as I can arrange it with Essex." "Congraduations Marrissa," Doctor Picard said. "So how did you get him to propose. And I want details." "Beverly," Admiral Picard admonished. "Jean-Luc Picard, can't a girl have any fun," the Doctor returned. "She's twenty-four years old, Beverly," Jean-Luc Picard responded. "We have to let her and Wesley live their own lives. We can't follow them around nosing ourselves into their business." "We'll save that for Jackie and Nicholas," Beverly Picard concluded. "How long have you been pursuing Jay?" Jean-Luc Picard opened his mouth to continue his speech but Marrissa interupted him. "About eight, nine years. I wanted to make sure he wanted me as well." "Let me get this straight, Marrissa," Jean-Luc Picard said. "You've been after Jay Gordon to marry you since you were fifteen. You only started dating two years before that." "Something wrong with that Dad?" Marrissa inquired. "I better put a reminder in my notes for three years from now to start looking closely at Jackie's dates," her father replied. "Although I approve of your choice I'm not yet sure about Jackie's judgment." "She's only eleven years old, Jean-Luc," Beverly said. "Give her time." "What did she do now?" Marrissa asked. "She took a shuttlecraft on a trip to Neptune," Jean-Luc said. "Without permission." "Let me guess, she wanted to see the site of one of my battles," Marrissa said. "My offer to give you a vacation from her antics, still stands." "Jean-Luc that might be just want Jackie needs," Beverly said. "You have to admit that she couldn't have pulled that shuttle stunt on a starship." "I may take you up on that offer after your wedding," Jean-Luc Picard said. "After all, she can't cause anymore trouble on a starship." Suddenly a line of text appeared on the screen. It read, "I wouldn't be so sure. Congraduations Marrissa. Love, Jackie." "Admiral Picard to Lieutenant Sirek, she's done it again," her father said. He shook his head. "I don't know what to do with her. At least little Nicholas isn't as rambunctious." "I still think Nicholas needs to be a little more out going," Beverly said. "I use to think Wesley was shy when he was little but it's nothing when compared to Nicholas." "Sounds like both of you need a vacation away from your children," Marrissa stated. "Well you know were the Endeavor is if you need a baby-sitter. I'll transmit the date of the wedding when I get though talking to Essex. Endeavor out." Next Marrissa opened a ship-wide broadcast. "Captain Marrissa Picard to all personnel. Their will be a concert tonight at 1900 hours in the Endeavor Tavern. Captain Picard will perform, with a special appearance by our first officer. In addition, Commander Sutter will perform a flute and piano duet with the Captain. All members of the Royal Family of Essex, please report to my Ready Room. Captain Picard out." Clara quickly arrived from the bridge, followed by Counselor Martin Sussex. "I see you've added coming attractions to the duties of the Captain," Clara remarked. "I'm just glad I don't play a classical instrument," Martin replied. "Don't count on it," Marrissa replied. "There are plenty of classical pieces for the six-string guitar, despite it's reputation as a country and rock instrument. But, I didn't call you here to talk about music, although I do have an excellent flute and guitar piece." "Please no," Martin groaned. "I have enough to practice with Jay's country singing." "Think about it," Marrissa stated. "And you should remember, I pull rank. But back to why I called you. Last night, Jay proposed to me. I accepted.""Not surprising, I've been expecting it since I signed on board," Lieutenant Sussex replied. "Then how come it took me so long to get Jay to propose to me," Marrissa asked. "I thought it would happen at one of three possible times," Martin said. "One, when you were injured during an away mission. Two, when Jay suffered the same fate. Or Three, when both of you retired. After all you two are too wrapped up in your jobs and afriad to do anything that could jeopardize them." "Martin, it looks like I'm going to have to pull some rank," Marrissa stated. "I'm ships counselor," Martin reminded. "I can say that it would be psychologically unsound to pair me up with Clara and you couldn't do anything." "If you weren't Ship's Counselor, Martin," Marrissa said, shaking her head. "I know, I'd be in big trouble," Martin replied. "There are quite a bit of benefits to this position. Thanks for pointing me down the road." "Sometimes I think I worked too hard to get the crew I wanted," Marrissa said. "Does Martin know about your news, Clara?" "You mean that Alex is marrying her?" Martin responded. "I read it off the deck 8 men's room." ^L Chapter Five Marrissa opened a channel to Essex from her Ready Room. The events of the past few days had been a whirl wind. Destroy the nexus, get stranded on Earth, start dating Jay seriously, and finally the proposal from Jay; it was a wonder that she could keep up, much less run her starship. Not that anything had been unexpected, except for getting stranded on Earth millions of years ago. The mission had been to destroy the nexus, and Marrissa did not fail often. She'd always liked Jay. He had been her first officer back in the old Enterprise-D's Kid's Crew. During, the first year of her stationing on the old Cardassian-Federation Demilitarized Zone, they had had informal dates every time they where in port together. Jay had been a support she could lean upon for as long as she could remember. Of course she had thought that it was simply the way a first officer was supposed to act. The proposal hadn't been a complete surprise. Alex and Clara had just gotten engaged, and she had expected some change in her relationship with Jay, not this much of course. Jay had always been there for her, and she had tried to do the same. Sure they argued. Their positions made such arguments likely. In a way, the relationship between Captain and First Officer was much like a marriage. That's why taking that last step seemed so natural. Queen Victoria the First of Essex appeared on the view screen in Marrissa's quarters. "Marrissa, what brings you to call me?" she asked. "Sorry to interrupt your supper, Victoria," Marrissa said. "But I had to inform you of some good news." "How did you know I was eating supper?" the Queen asked. "The bit of cheese sauce on your upper lip gave it away," Marrissa replied. The Queen wiped off the sauce and asked, "Now what is this good news." "Jay finally proposed," Marrissa said. "That is good news, now if I could only get William to do so," Victoria mused. "It gets better," Marrissa said. "Clara has also accepted Alexander's proposal." "So that explains that little piece of legislation you had William push though Parliament," the Queen said. "So Clara could marry a Klingon, boy those children aren't going to be typical royals." "Since when has Essex had a typical royal family?" Marrissa questioned. "It's been awhile," the Queen replied. "Lets see, I'm trying to get my Prime Minister to marry me. You're a starship Captain. Prince Daniel was one of his daughter's assistant engineers. Princess Clarrissa is a Chief Engineer on a Starship. Earl Flores, Martin Sussex is your Ship's Counselor. His mother runs a bar. I can't find any normal royalty in my family." "Then I guess it's been about ten years since Essex has had a normal royal family," Marrissa replied. "When can we arrange for a double wedding on Essex." "I think that I can have everything arranged in about three weeks so lets make it a month to provide a margin of error," Victoria said. "And when you arrive, could you help me kick the Prime Minister into action?" "It would be my pleasure," Marrissa said. "Transmit the time and date to my father so he can arrange his escape, use code Mozart Symphony number 23." "I'll be needing a guest list and a list of bridesmaids," Victoria said. "Just send me a request for any information you need and I'll get back to you ASAP," Marrissa said. "Congraduations Marrissa, and tell Clara the same," Victoria said. "Well I better get back to dinner. The Admirals will be wondering who I was talking too. Essex out." Marrissa enjoyed playing the piano. She regretted that early in her career she had neglected the instrument in favor of other activities. Since she had become Second Officer on the Stargazer she had returned to it with a passion, though. In the last eight years she had become quite an accomplished pianist. Now, she was even giving lessons to some of her officers on board the Endeavor. This was a fun concert. She had opened with her flute duet with Clara. Clara didn't think she was good enough to hold her own concert, but duets with others, that was OK. Normally show tunes wouldn't be expected at Marrissa's concert. Tonight was an exception. She'd even gotten Shayna to join in. Her rendition of "Bali ha'i" had just finished. As Jay had indicated he was ready, Marrissa announced, "We now turn popular with a tune from South Pacific sung by Commander Jay Gordon, accompanied by the Endeavor String Quartet." Marrissa took her seat in the front row, by the center aisle. The string quartet took up the familiar South Pacific tune, and Jay Gordon began singing from his position leaning up against the left wall. "Some Enchanted Evening You may see a stranger You may see a stranger Across a crowded room. His eyes locked with Marrissa's as he continued, now standing up straight. "And somehow you'll know You'll know even then That somewhere you'll see her again and again Smile graced Marrissa's face as he went into the next verse. "Some Enchanted Evening Some one may be laughing You may hear her laughing Across a crowded room And night after night As strange as it seems The sound of her laughter Will sing in your dreams. Then he signaled Marrissa, addressing her directly, as if they where alone in the room, his challenge singing out, "Who can explain it? Who can tell you why?" Marrissa sang the response, not missing a beat, "Fools give you reasons." Jay then picked up the song again, "Wise men never try." "Some Enchanted Evening When you find you true love When you here her call you Across a crowded room With the next verse, Jay came down beside his Marrissa. "Then fly to her side And make her your one Or throughout your life You may dream all alone Jay placed his arm around Marrissa as she sang in reply, "Once you have found her, never let her go." Then Jay answered, repeating in song, "Once you have found her, never let her go." As the last note faded, a resounding applause began. ^L Chapter Six Marrissa liked to eat lunch in the Endeavor's version of Ten-Forward, the Endeavor Tavern, with its hostess, Mary, a daughter of the legendary Guinan. Well perhaps not legendary, but at least well known. On the floor plans, the Tavern was about the same as Ten-Forward on the Enterprise, that however was were the similarity ended. The Endeavor Tavern was a bar. The tables were actual wood with wooden chairs. The bar itself was right out of an old television series known as Cheers. There was no doubt about it, Mary's Endeavor Tavern was not like other bars on Starfleet vessels, but Marrissa didn't like her ship to be just like other ships. If Marrissa had her way the Endeavor wouldn't even look like other ships. As Captain Marrissa Picard walked up to the bar, Mary said. "What would you like for lunch today, Captain?" "I'm in the mood for Italian today, Mary," Marrissa said. "I have some fresh pizza, just out of the oven," Mary replied. "Ham and Pepperoni." "I'll take three slices of it and a tall glass of strawberry soda," Marrissa said. "And some bread sticks if you have any fresh baked." "I just happen to," Mary said. "I assume you will be at your usual booth?" "Yes, Jay will be joining me," Marrissa said. "Jay?" Mary said. "I haven't heard you call Commander Gordon that since we were on the Stargazer." "How else should I address my fiancee?" Marrissa asked. At Mary's puzzled face, Marrissa continued. "I can't believe it, some item of ship's gossip passed you by." "Hardly," Mary replied. "It's been such a common rumor that I tend to ignore ever time I hear that you two are getting married. Now Clara and Alexander, that's a different story." "Anything else interesting in the gossip today?" Marrissa asked. "There is a rumor that Ross Lochard is considering a transfer to the Enterprise," Mary said. "His wife is apparently upset about the prospect of leaving the Endeavor. The rumor mill is also looking for who will replace him as Chief of Security. The general opinion is that you will have to bring someone in from outside." "Great, I really should stop other Captains from raiding my crew," Marrissa said. "They just don't seem to want to train their own. I'm certainly not going to stop Captain Riker from taking Ross if he wants to go, but their won't be any more for quite some time. Computer, until further notice, all personnel records are classified level thirteen for access off the Endeavor, authorization Picard Mozart One Seven Victoria One." "Authorization confirmed, outside access to personnel records classified to level thirteen," the Computer replied. "Lets see them pull another officer off this ship," Marrissa said. "I didn't train my crew for everyone to transfer off the ship, ninety percent of my crew are Ensigns as it is. Now what else is in the rumor mill?" In the Lochard Family quarters, Lieutenant Commander Ross Lochard had just left for duty, thinking that his wife had agreed to transferring to the Enterprise. However, Lieutenant Katherine Isadora Szustakowski Lochard was going to do no such thing. She was tired of transferring from ship to ship to further her husband's career. She'd been glad to transfer to the Endeavor, back under the command of her long time friend, Marrissa Picard. However, she was not ready to begin ship hopping again. She and Ross had been married for 8 years, and during that time they had served on almost as many ships, the Stargazer, the Clinton, the Hornet, the Monitor, the list went on and on. Well, Kathy wasn't going to go back to the Enterprise. Oh she'd transfer, but not to the Enterprise. Kathy Lochard called up the positions available listings for Fighter Commanders or Chief Helm Officers, muttering, "The nerve, to use the afterglow of sex to *soften the blow*." A position caught her eye: Fighter Commander and Second Officer USS Stargazer NCC-2893. Fighter piloting experience a must. Command experience wanted. Fighter wing commanding a defiant plus. Will promote to Lieutenant Commander. Contact Captain T'Gwen Washington, USS Stargazer NCC-2893, Cardassain-Federation Demilitarized Zone. A perfect position she thought. The Stargazer will probably convey the Cardassian delegation to the Captain's wedding so Ross won't figure out that my transfer is different until the last possible minute. Plus, as Fighter Commander, I get a promotion I've been a full Lieutenant too long. Ross will regret his underhandedness in this manner. If he had asked me when he first found out about the possibility, I probably would have gone with him. Thank God we don't have kids. ^L Chapter Seven Marrissa and Jay were going over the weekly reports. It was a boring part of their jobs, and they intended to finish it as quickly as possible. They had already read the Engineering and ship's health reports. "Transfer requests?" Marrissa asked. "Lieutenant Commander Ross Lochard has accepted a position on board the Enterprise," Jay responded. "Ensign Henricks was requested by Captain Johnson of the Rutledge. Doctor Gr'sem has requested a leave of absence on his homeworld." "I knew this was coming," Marrissa responded. "I hate to lose Ross, but I don't intend to stand in his way. Replacing him will be hard though." "It gets worse," Jay added. "The transfer is effective before we get married." "Great, now who am I going to leave in command?" Marrissa asked. "Most of my officers are ensigns, good ones but ensigns none the less." "There is Clara's number two," Jay suggested, halfheartedly. "Shayna, Jay you may have found just the officer to fill all of our needs," Marrissa said. "Have Lieutenant Sachs report to my ready room after we are down." "Aye, Aye, Captain," Jay said. Marrissa gave him a look of distaste at the title. "I know, no ranks between us, but it takes some getting use to. Speaking of our upcoming wedding, I think their is one matter we might want to discuss." "What would that be?" Marrissa inquired. "The matter of last names," Jay said. "I'd like you to keep yours, Marrissa." "Why?" Marrissa asked. "I've heard of the problems the Enterprise had when there were three Picards on board," Jay said. "I don't want to be the cause of it on the Endeavor. Plus, I heard your comment about missing the name when you left the bridge yesterday. In fact I suggest we let out that we will be following Essex tradition on the matter." "I'm afraid I don't know Essex tradition as to married names," Marrissa replied. "I'm surprised, you are usual quite well informed about Essex," Jay responded. "I've never had the reason to look it up before," Marrissa said. "Now tell me what is the tradition?" "The more prestigious and wealth persons name is taken by the children and both parents retain their name," Jay replied. "You can't deny that you are more respected and admired. Plus with that mansion on Essex, how can you not be more wealth than me?" "You do have a point," Marrissa said. "By the way, Victoria wants to give you a title. How does Duke of Churchill sound?" "You know all those titles was one of the reasons I didn't propose to you earlier," Jay moaned. "I know, now what about Doctor Gr'sem?" Marrissa inquired. Captain Marrissa Amber Picard was looking at records when her ready room door rang. "Come," she ordered. Lieutenant Shayna Sachs entered the ready room. "Shayna, come sit down." "You wanted to see me, Captain," Shayna stated. "No titles, how many times do I have to tell my friends," Marrissa commented. "I've got to have some people to relax with." "OK, Marrissa, but if some officer complains about my lack of a proper show of respect to ranking officers," Shayna replied. "It's your problem." "Not entirely, Shayna," Marrissa said. "But that's not why I called you here." "May I ask why?" Shayna responded. "I have a problem I think you can help me solve," Marrissa said. "In a couple days, the entire senior staff with the exception of Doctor Jackson, and Counselor Sussex will be on 'Honeymoon leave' or in the case of our Chief of Security, leaving us for the Enterprise. Would you like to take command until one of us gets back?" "Me? take command," Shayna said. "I've never been in command for more than a shift before." "You have a 17 minute 59.999999999...," Marrissa began. "Enough with the nines," Shayna replied exasperated. "... second Kobayashi Maru time," she finished. "Which no one in that painting over my sofa will let you forget. You are also the senior most Lieutenant on board." "You don't have to convince me to take command," Shayna replied. "There is one other thing," Marrissa added. "What?" "I need some one to take Ross's place as Chief of Security. I'd like you to consider the possibility of transferring and taking that place. Don't answer now, tell me when I return." "Will you give me access to the security personnel and duty files so I may see what I'm considering getting into," Shayna inquired. "Of coarse, Shayna. I'll see you before I go down to Essex to get ready for my wedding," Marrissa arranged. "Patterson has volunteered to take command during my wedding, so everyone else can attend the ceremony. You will relieve him after the wedding." "Anything else, Marrissa?" "No, send Jay in here," Marrissa ordered returning to her work. Shayna exited the room and moments later Jay entered. "You asked for me Marrissa?" Jay inquired. "Yes, Jay, I think I have the problem Lieutenant Lochard left us with solved," Marrissa said. "Don't tell me your leaving Shayna in Command," Jay exclaimed. "Yes, ... something wrong with that?" Marrissa replied. "Yes, she is undisciplined, unorthodoxed, and a relentless practical joker," Jay said. "Sounds like the prefect Security chief," Marrissa responded. "And you did suggest her." "Marrissa, you have the oddest sense of humor in the fleet," Jay replied. "Something wrong with that?" Marrissa inquired, sweetly. "Actually, no, not on this ship, known far and wide for its oddities," Jay said. "In fact your sense of humor has just been added to the list of qualities I'm marrying you for." "I want to see this list," Marrissa said, kissing her first officer. "Sorry, that information is classified under time release, Mara" Jay said and shut her up with a long, deep kiss. The next morning Marrissa was woken up by a call from the bridge. "Marrissa here, what do you want?" "Sorry to wake you, Captain, but we have an incoming priority one message," Alexander's voice said. "Route it down here," Marrissa ordered, getting up from her bed and pushing her long blond hair back into a hasty ponytail. "Display message." Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard appeared on screen and said, "Sorry to wake you Captain, but I must inform you that a inspection will be performed by myself when you arrive at Essex. Be ready, Fleet Admiral out." "Great, he wakes me at 0421 hours just to inform me that he will insect us as soon as we arrive at Essex," Marrissa muttered. "Does he think my room is so messy that I need 12 hours to clean it." She looked around her room and had to admit that it was rather messy. She and Jay hadn't been thinking of neatness during last night's nightcap. Oh well, what's the worth of being a Captain if you can't have someone straighten up your room. ^L Chapter Eight Around 1630 hours the USS Endeavor pulled into Essex orbit. The USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E and the Papal vessel Trinity were already in orbit. "Looks like Pope Gregory, happened to be in the neighborhood again," Marrissa commented. "He doesn't miss a chance to do anything, does he?" "Old Gregory? If he could he'd probably be out converting Cardassians," Jay replied. "I hate to tell you be he's done that," Marrissa said. "And Romulans, and Bajorans. You name it and he'll convert it." "I thought that was a job for is underlings," Jay replied. "Not according to the Pope," Marrissa replied. "He says that he intends to lead by example." "Incoming hail from the Enterprise," Lieutenant Ross Lochard announced. "On screen," Marrissa commanded. Rear-Admiral William T. Riker of the Starship Enterprise appeared on the main viewscreen. His beard was beginning to gray and his hair already had some white streaks in it. "Captain Picard, I hope you are ready for inspection," he said. "The Admiral is in a picky mood today." "Not as picky as I'm going to be about the uniform he is going to be giving me away in," Marrissa said. "He better be careful, or I'll arrange for more heavy orders. That is if the order of the Defenders of the Klingon Empire Medal isn't heavy enough." "You mean the bronze medal in the shape of the Klingon Insignia about 4 inches across," Riker responded. "You don't need to describe it, I have one myself," Marrissa said. "That's what I get for being close to Kronos when Gowron died." "I heard about it," Riker replied. "Tell me did Korlas ever get over the scare you gave him when you pinned him to the wall by throwing two daggers?" "As far as I know, no," Marrissa thought. "Last I heard he was still afraid to leave his house." "Well, it is a little frightening to be pinned to a wall outside your own house for how long was it?" Riker asked. "Thirty-two hours," Marrissa said. "He really shouldn't have launched his own dagger into one of my friends." "Well the Fleet Admiral is signaling his impatience so I'll see you in about five minutes in your transporter room," Riker concluded. "Enterprise out.""Jay, Alex, Ross, my dad would like to see us in transporter room two," Marrissa said. "Kathy, you have the bridge, see that Clara, Martin, and Doctor Johnson meet us in the transporter room." When Marrissa, Jay, Alexander, and Lieutenant Ross Lochard entered the transporter room, Clara, Counselor Martin Sussex, and Doctor Jackson Johnson were already standing before the control console. Behind the console stood Lieutenant Shayna Sachs. "The Admiral is signaling that he is ready to beam aboard with his party of five," Shayna informed Marrissa. "Beam them aboard, Shayna," Marrissa ordered. Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, Captain Beverly Picard, their children Jackie and Nicholas, and Captain William T. Riker materialized on the platform. "Permission to come aboard, Captain?" Jean-Luc Picard asked. "Granted, Dad," Marrissa replied. "Will you ever stop being so informal?" Jean-Luc asked. "Hey, I'm on a first name basis with most of my crew," Marrissa said. "That's why we have a 120 efficiency rating. Speaking of my crew, I believe introductions are in order. This is my first officer, Commander Jay Gordon." Jay nodded. "My Second Officer and Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Commander Clara Sutter." Clara smiled. "My Chief of Security, for the next 5 hours, Lieutenant Commander Ross Lochard. I'm not happy about you stealing him, Admiral Riker." "Then blame your father for giving Geordi a ship," Captain Riker said. "Worf was my best choice for First Officer and you can't be that and Chief of Security. So I had to find someone." "Well you won't be getting anymore of my officers for a while," Marrissa said. Then continuing with the introductions she introduced, "My Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Jackson Johnson." "I've heard good things about you, Doctor," Captain Beverly Picard said."Oh, no, you are not stealing any of my officers either," Marrissa responded. "I already have the ship with the lowest average rank in Starfleet. I don't need to lose anyone else." "I take it you would like a little reprieve from all the raiding other Captains have been doing to your crew," Jean-Luc Picard responded. "I've seen too many promotions off your ship in recent months. I'll let it be known that further transfers will have to go though me, and I'm not exactly easy to contact." "Thank, you," Marrissa replied. "Now on to the rest of my introductions. This my Ship's Counselor, Martin Sussex. Next is my Chief of Operations, Lieutenant Alexander Rozhenko. And finally behind the console is Lieutenant Shayna Sachs, who will be taking command while the rest of my command crew is enjoying their honeymoons." "Well I guess it's inspection time," Jean-Luc Picard said. He turned to his children who were dressed in white jumpsuits and said, "Go play Hide-an-Seek in the Jefferies tubes near Main Engineering." ^L Chapter Nine Admiral Jean-Luc Picard began his inspection in the same place he had for the past ten years in ships Marrissa was on. "This is the cleanest I've ever seen your room, Marrissa," he commented. "Rank hath it's privileges, I see." "What makes you say that, Admiral?" Captain Riker replied. "She had the ship's Steward in recently," the Fleet Admiral replied. "You will note the smell of lemon in the air." "I noticed," Riker replied. "It really must have been a mess." "Lets just say that I've had a hard time preserving my virginity the last couple nights," Marrissa replied. "That rowdy, Marrissa," Jean-Luc Picard responded. "If your not careful Marrissa, you'll end up presenting me with my first grandchild with in a year.""It's already on my list of goals," Marrissa replied. "Marrissa, you are really spreading yourself thin," her father replied. "Captain, Princess, soon-to-be a Wife and you want to add Mother to that ASAP. If you are not careful you will be forced to retire from Starfleet due to other commitments." "Dad, you've been saying that for years now," Marrissa responded. "Has anything stopped me yet?" "No, to tell the truth, I don't know anything that's even slowed you down," Jean-Luc Picard answered. "But something has to give sometime." "Maybe, Dad. I can always get rid of the supervising officer of the Kid's Crew Program job," Marrissa said. "By the way Captain Riker, is there in truth to the rumor that your leaving the Enterprise next year?" "It's closer to a half of a year now," Riker responded. "Admiral, I though you were trying to keep it secret?" "So it is true," Marrissa smiled. "Yes, and I want to know were you heard it," Fleet Admiral Picard asked. "In the docking bay lounge of the Utopia Planate Ship Design Station, right after the lecture on the new Nova class design," Marrissa said. "I overheard it from a conversation between Captains Morris and Shelby. By the way, who are your leading candidates for replacing him?" Admiral Picard began, "Captain Chelsea Crusher of the Clinton, Captain T'Gwen Washington of the Stargazer, Captain Mary Szustakowski of the Roanoke, Commander Worf, Commander Michael Walsky, Commander Lavelle ..." "Stop kidding her, Admiral," Riker interrupted. "You know she's after my chair." "What ever gave you that idea, Captain?" Captain Marrissa Picard replied with false innocence. "Your living room," Riker replied. "That would be a good reason ... if it didn't sound so ridiculous," Marrissa replied. "So, Admiral, tell her the very short list," Riker said. "Captain Marrissa Picard, starship Endeavor, no competition," Jean-Luc Picard responded. "And no accusing me of basis, a panel of 13 Admirals searched though all of Starfleet to find the best captain for the Flagship and told me and I quote. 'Captain Marrissa Picard embodies the spirit of Starfleet. She knows how to negotiate, when to follow rules and when those rules do not apply. She has boundless patience and is not intimidated. She knows how to promote peace, but also how to fight when fighting becomes necessary. We could find no other whose abilities and traits are as exceptional.'" "I wouldn't have given me any of those accolades," Marrissa replied honestly. "Especially the boundless patience comment. I'm sure that those Naklab Sel Rahc I've mediated would say otherwise." "Those Naklab Sel Rahc scare away other mediators within the first day," Jean-Luc Picard responded. "You've now worked with them for a couple months total." "Yea, and I don't get anything done until I lose my patience," Marrissa said. "Last time I locked them in the room until they agreed to something." "Unique approached, Marrissa," Riker said. "I'll have to remember it." "It worked," Marrissa shrugged. Late that night as Marrissa was preparing for bed, the third watch commander, Lieutenant Alexander Rozhenko called, "Bridge to Captain Picard." "Yes, Alex?" "The Queen of Essex is calling, Marrissa," the Chief of Operations replied. "Patch her in here," Marrissa yawned. Queen Victoria appeared in one of the short lacy dresses she preferred. "Sorry to wake you Marrissa." "Actually, I was just readying myself for bed," Marrissa said. "I assume you are calling about some last minute detail of my wedding?" "No, I'm calling about my problem," the Queen responded. "I need to get William to propose to me. I know he wanted to marry me before I became Queen, I've got the letter my Grandfather wrote giving him permission. And after that kiss tonight, well those feelings haven't waned in the last decade." "Let me guess, you think your position is the problem," Marrissa replied. "Don't take the way out that one of your ancestors did, I have enough to do without a throne." "I'm not following old Edward VIII of Great Britain," Victoria replied. "I'd end up without a throne or a husband." "Then I suggest we make it so he has no choice in the matter," Marrissa said. "In diplomacy, you learn a lot of ways to make sure that all sides get what they want. Of coarse you have overrule all of their objections. It looks like it's time to get rid of the Prime Ministers objections and get him to do what he has been denying for too long." "Perfect," Victoria responded. "I'll leave it up to you to arrange the sweeping away of his objections. Essex out." ^L Chapter Ten William Lancaster, Prime Minister of Essex for most of the last dozen years, was in his study working on official documents. He paused to look at the picture of his desk. It was of Victoria, laughing at some joke he had made. William wished for the simpler times like those before she had ascended the throne.Not that Victoria had become any less affectionate. In fact, she had become more affectionate. It just wasn't appropriate for the Queen to date or heaven forbid, marry her Prime Minister ... a fact Victoria couldn't seem to grasp. Not that William didn't love Victoria, If it wasn't for the fact that she was Queen, he would have proposed to here years ago. He had planned to do so the Saturday after the Royal Family Reunion. Unfortunately, the Palace got blown up and he attended Victoria's coronation instead. Suddenly the sound of a transporter beam filled the air. Looking up from Victoria's picture, he caught the dwindling transporter effect surrounding the blond Starfleet Captain. Although he had not seen Princess Marrissa since she was 16, it wasn't like there were many young Starship Captains who had the remotest of reasons to beam into the Prime Minister's study. "Princess Marrissa, I presume?" William Lancaster inquired. "Correct, Mister Lancaster," Marrissa replied with the practiced air of command. "Although I prefer just plain Marrissa, or that new nickname Jay just came up with, Mara and Captain isn't a bad title either." "OK, Marrissa," Lancaster responded. "What brings you to my study?" "A promise I made Victoria," Marrissa said. "Now it's for the game show, Justification." Marrissa raised her voice. "Victoria, what will William be justifying today?" Queen Victoria entered the room, and said, "Today William will be justifying his lack of marriage." "And what is he playing for?" Marrissa asked. "Love," Victoria stated. "Well William, can you justify?" Marrissa questioned. "It wouldn't be right for me to marry the woman I love," William replied. "And why would that be?" Marrissa inquired. "It's a matter of propriety," William responded. "Their are just some people that a Prime Minister can't marry without a scandal." "Prostitute, Nun, or if your really strict the Queen," Marrissa stated. "Please narrow that list down." "Well she's not a prostitute, in fact I believe she is a virgin," William said. "As for a nun, well she's religious but not that religious." "That leaves the Queen," Marrissa said. "Well Victoria, it looks like we know the hurdle you need to clear." "High but clearable," Victoria replied. "How busy has your press office been?" "Busy, but I have what you need," Marrissa responded. "Clara!" Princess Clara Sutter entered the room on cue. "What is this a conspiracy?" The Prime Minister asked. "No, just family," Victoria commented. Looking up at the ceiling, the Prime Minister said, "And I'm considering marrying into this family?" "The hurdle just lowered," Marrissa announced. "Admitting is half he battle. Now the poll please?" Clara began, "20,000 citizens of Essex were asked the following question: What would be their opinion of a marriage between the Queen and the Prime Minister? 75 percent said 'Their finally doing it, Its about time.' 24 percent said, 'You mean they're not already married.' One percent had no opinion. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent." "You realize that by conducting this poll you've made it almost impossible for him not to propose to me?" the Queen commented. "I said I'd help you kick him into action," Marrissa said. "And I don't do half measures. Come on Clara, I think its time to take a look at all those wedding presents that keep arriving." Marrissa and Clara left the room. "So Tory, are you ready to deliver your ultimatum?" William asked. "No, I'm just going to give this letter and ask you to read it out loud too me," Victoria said. "I'm sure you remember it, I found it in the to be shredded tray a couple days after my coronation." "It's dated about a week before your ascension," William said as he began to read the letter: Dear William, In response to your letter requesting the hand of my granddaughter, Lady Victoria, we say it's about time. Marry her with my blessing. Just don't let her find out until she's in your bed, I have a reputation to keep. Good luck with Tory signed George Rex. "That and that kiss you gave me last night was what made me give Marrissa the go ahead," Victoria said, smiling. "Meet me by the lily pond in the west garden at 8 tonight," William said. "If I have no more excuses I intend to do everything else right." "I will be there," Victoria said and after a quick kiss, she left to join her cousins, Marrissa and Clara. After leaving checking on the incoming wedding presents, Marrissa beamed back up to the Endeavor and returned to the bridge. "Good morning, Jay," she said entering from the forward turbolift. "You should see the pile of accumulating wedding gifts." "I've heard, we'll be busy for weeks trying to decide what to keep," her first officer and husband-to-be replied with a kiss. "More starships have arrived." "Which ones?" Marrissa asked. "The Clinton, the Defiant, the Pasteur, and the Gorkon," Jay replied. "Captain Chelsea Crusher, Admiral Sisko, Mom's ship, and Captain Dax's," Marrissa matched up. "Hail Captain Crusher for me." The daughter of President Clinton and wife of Wesley Crusher appeared on screen. She was holding her month-old daughter, Kasey in her arms, bottle feeding her. "Captain Chelsea Crusher, starship Clinton, how may I help you, Captain Picard?" "Just calling to see how you and my older brother are doing," Marrissa replied. "Fine, except for the fact that little Kasey is keeping us up nights," Chelsea replied. "I think Wes is beginning to regret his plan to keep me out of away teams." "Don't give my first officer any ideas," Marrissa responded. "We've got a successful alternating away team rule here, and I don't want to ruin it." "Trust me, Marrissa, within a year Kasey will have a cousin and Jay will be leading the away teams," Chelsea replied. "I speak from experience." "I hope not," Marrissa responded. "Leading Away Teams is one of the more enjoyable duties I've had in Starfleet." "Well on the Clinton, that duty is now almost exclusively the providence of Lieutenant Commander Wesley Crusher," Chelsea said. "Where is my brother, anyway?" Marrissa asked. "He's over on the Enterprise, discussing something with Captain Riker," Chelsea replied. "He was very close-mouthed as to what." "I think it's the bachelor's party," Marrissa replied. "Should we arrange for some embarrassing pictures." "How are you going to manage that?" Chelsea asked. "Sorry, I can't tell in front of my bridge crew," Marrissa replied. "But their won't be any of Jay." "Understandable," Captain Crusher said. "Come over to see your new niece, and we will discuss how to crash parties." "I'll be over in an hour," Marrissa replied. "Endeavor out." "You wouldn't actually ruin a party, would you?" Jay asked when the channel had been closed. "You have the bridge, Jay. I'll be on the Clinton," Marissa replied, exiting the bridge. Meanwhile in the Romulan Strategy Room on Romulus, an officer noticed something. A large number of ships were gathering around the Federation Planet Essex, less that a score of light years from the Neutral Zone. He quickly alerted his superiors as to the build up. ^L Chapter Eleven Gamma Shift (of four shifts) was about to begin on the Endeavor. Lieutenant Commander Clara Sutter was getting briefed on the events of the day, which had occurred while she had been in Engineering, before taking command. "The Defiant, the Clinton, the Gorkon, and the Stargazer have arrived," Jay briefed. "Fleet Admiral Picard has ordered a flyby by a select wing of fighters from the Stargazer for the wedding. They are practicing, so keep an eye out for any fighter who gets himself into trouble. Other than that, everything is normal." "Any word on the arrival of the starship Nova?" Clara asked. "Yes, Captain LaForge thinks he has all the bugs solved for now and projects an arrival time of about an hour from now," Jay said. "Worried about you father being late to your wedding?" "Yes, I know all the bugs that the Nova had when it left Utopia," Clara said. "Heck, I found a couple myself last time I visited Dad. Personally I think they underestimated the time it would take to debug a ship that is twice as long as the Galaxy Class." "Especially a design that they rushed into production," Jay added. "That too," Clara said. "You better get too sleep, Jay. Tomorrow is a big day for both of us and unlike me, you need 8 hours of sleep." "How many do you need?" "Just 4 and a half," Clara replied. "Now get to bed before I sic Doctor Johnson on you." Jay left the bridge by the forward turbolift, saying, "Beta shift is relieved, Clara you have the bridge." "You bet I do," Clara muttered. An hour later, the first, and so far the only Nova Class Starship, the USS Nova under Captain Geordi LaForge pulled into orbit. Her saucer was an ellipse facing like those in the Intrepid Class. Retracted inside, the saucer supported Defiant like Warp Engines. However her real warp engines were more traditionally mounted on the Engineering hull which started with a large defector dish, one and a half times the size of those on Galaxy Class Starships. It swept back like a slightly flattened on the top club with the warp pylons attached midway back. The pylons attached to the warp nacelles two thirds from the back. The nacelles themselves were similar in shape to the ones on the galaxy class, but smaller sections of color were visible. The color itself was unique. The forward tips were bright red like before but that's were the similarity ended. Instead of the blue color strip it was purple in color at rest but as it produced more and more power that color arched up to an orange color. As it drew closer to the Endeavor, another feature was spotted. The Nova had a large forward facing fighter bay. It wasn't easy to spot however with the shell like bay door reminiscent of the old Constitution Class Starships. The ID was now clearly read able, USS Nova NX-90000, she said as she merged into standard orbit in front of the Endeavor. On the bridge of the Endeavor, Clara marveled at the Engineering of the ship on which her father served as Chief Engineer. If it were for the fact that she wanted to stay under Marrissa's Command, Clara would have been doing everything under her power to get in the position her father had on the Nova, despite the problems the ship had. "Incoming hail from the Nova," the tactical officer said. "On screen," Clara ordered. Captain Geordi LaForge appeared on screen. Seated comfortably in the Command Chair on the well-endowed bridge of the Nova, the recently posted Captain of Starfleet's newest pride and joy smiled. "Good Evening, Captain LaForge." "Clara, Clara, Clara, how many times do I have to tell you, any one who helped design the ship I command doesn't have to call me Captain," Geordi LaForge commented. "I only designed the preliminary warp drive configuration," Clara downplayed. "Clara, did anyone ever tell you that you are too modest?" Geordi replied. "Designing an warp drive configuration for a ship this size is no easy feat." "Marrissa tells me that all the time," Clara answered. "So is my father ready to play his role in my wedding tomorrow?" "I made sure his dress uniform was clean and ready for him to wear," Geordi said. "Per your instructions, I'm well aware of his tendency to become buried in his work and come up only to eat and sleep." "You should be, you are the only one who has commanded him longer than I have," Clara replied. "Sorry about stealing him from you," Geordi apologized. "That's OK, because you're going to send me two new assistant Chief Engineers," Clara said with a grin. "Let me guess more ships have been raiding the Endeavor for the excellent officers she produces," Geordi said. "That and Marrissa raided Engineering to fill the post of Chief of Security," Clara replied. "I don't have a single officer that's been in Starfleet for over two years now." "You do need officers then," Geordi stated. "I'll see that your father sends four of our best to you." "Thanks Geordi, I need all the help I can get," Clara replied. "How long are you going to be around Essex?" "I'm here for a few days, to load fighters and attend the wedding, and however much time it takes to pull this ship out of orbit," Geordi replied. "It sounds like you don't trust the Nova," Clara replied. "Not until I see all these bugs ironed out," Geordi responded. "For instance I discovered on the way here that they loaded bad warp speed power conversion tables. I had to put them in from memory." "I can transmit my copy of them," Clara offered. "No better place to get them than the source," Geordi accepted. "Any changes I should know about?" "Warp 12 has been confirmed at 11.87 Starfleet IV scale just like I told them," Clara said. "Starfleet Engineering will probably be revising it's tables within a year." "Personally the Nova runs on the Clara scale," Geordi replied. "I'm fed up with their recalibrations every four years because they don't believe the article you wrote when you were 12 or the opinions of almost all of the Engineers out in the field." "By the way, check the Journal, I've got a new article on that subject," Clara said. "I figured out where 14, 15, and 16 are." "The Nova will be converting to Clara II, soon as I have time," Geordi replied. "Well I better go make sure my Chief Engineer is getting some sleep. If I don't I'm not sure he'd wake up in time to walk you down the aisle. Nova out." Meanwhile on Romulas, the Romulan Security Counsel had gathered to advise the Predator about the Federation build up at the planet Essex. In the room were four Romulan Admirals, a representative of the Tal'shar, and two officers responsible for monitoring Federation starship movements, along with the Praetor and his two aides. "Well gentlemen, what do we have today," the Praetor asked. "We have a serious situation near the planet Essex," the First Admiral said. "As serious as the one you brought to my attention last week," the Praetor asked. "Really I don't think an extra ship on the Klingon border was cause for concern." "This time it's really serious, my lord," the Second Admiral said. "Seven starships are orbiting that planet." "So a some old Obeth class starships needed to transfer cargo," the Praetor responded. "Like the ones you pointed out a couple weeks ago near the junction of Klingon, Romulan, and Federation Space." "One of them is the Enterprise," the Third Admiral stated. "So, the flagship is in the area," the Praetor replied. "Wasn't that your complaint a month ago, when it was in route to Earth from Kronos?" "Another is the Defiant," the Fourth Admiral, Tistek, said. "What are those ships anyway?" the Predator asked, suddenly concerned. One of the monitors spoke up, "The Endeavor, the Enterprise, the Defiant, the Clinton, the Gorkon, the Clinton, the Stargazer, the Trinity." "The Pope's ship, there is a laugh!" the Predator responded. "Do not underestimate the power of the religion of the Pope," the Tal'shar representative said. "Four times, people have tried to capture or destroy the Trinity and all four times those people have not succeeded." "I'll take that fact, under advisement," the Predator responded. "Now what are the classes of those other ships?" "The Enterprise is an Sovereign; the Endeavor, a Nebula II; the Clinton, an Intrepid; the Defiant is of course its own class; the Gorkon, Excelsior; the Stargazer is one of their small carrier class of that name," the First Admiral responded. "Not very good, five D'deridex class warbirds could do it," the Praetor began. "If I had decent Admirals, which I don't, instead it will probably take about 8." "I take it that your sending in the fleet," the Second Admiral said. "Yes, but not under your over reacting command," the Praetor snapped. "Admiral Tistek, take a dozen D'deridex class warbirds and get rid of that build up. I'll leave your little numskulls to put to gather a plan. And remember if Admiral Tistek fails, all four of you Admirals are dead." The Praetor swept from the room. The Admirals got to work on their plan to eliminate the fleet assembled at the planet Essex. ^L Chapter Twelve Doctor Beverly Picard was helping her adopted stepdaughter get into her wedding dress. However Captain Marrissa Picard and the dress were not on good terms. "Stop fidgeting," the Doctor said. "I swear you really don't like dresses." "No doctor, I don't like elaborate dresses which are tight and have 45 foot long trains," Marrissa complained. "Why can't the bride wear the dress uniform?" "Its only for about two hours," the Doctor replied. "Surely you can stand it for that long." "Yes, but don't tell Victoria, she'll have me attend more of those 'garden parties' in them," Marrissa responded. "And Jay thinks the dress uniform is uncomfortable." Queen Victoria poked her head into the room and said, "I heard that, Marrissa. I'll be sure to schedule another 'garden parties' next time you are in the area." "Great, more boring diplomats," Marrissa muttered. "All wanting to hear tales of my battles. I hate relating battles. I'd rather be shot out the torpedo bay." "Why are you complaining, your the life of the social," Victoria said. "Even with a decade's practice I can't make small talk last that long." "Don't you have a planet to run?" Marrissa responded, acidly. "Sorry, day off due to accepting the Prime Minister's wedding proposal," Victoria grinned. "So William finally got up the nerve?" Beverly replied. "You might say that, after Marrissa helped me trap him," the Queen replied. "Tell me more," Doctor Beverly Picard said, attaching the train (the part that would trail back behind Marrissa was pined up in a roll to make the procession to the cathedral in the carriage a little easier). "Well, Marrissa got rid of my Prime Minister's last objections by informing him of a poll that her press office did, per my request," Victoria began. "So Bill told me to meet him in the West Garden near the lily pond at eight. I arrive just as the sun sets to discover him in a black tuxedo with tails. He asked me if I'd care to join him for a little walk. I said yes and he lead me to the gazebo were we met a string quartet, playing 'A little night music.' As they played he pressed a small box into my hand and asked me to open it. "I opened it to discover a diamond ring. Looking up I find him on his knees. He said, 'Tory will you marry me.' I replied, 'Yes, what took you so long.'" "What happened then?" Doctor Picard said after a moment's silence. "He took me out dancing," Victoria replied, her cheeks blushing. "We didn't get back to the place until 4 o'clock this morning." "I'd ask for details, but I don't think Marrissa wants to be late for her own wedding," Beverly replied. "If I am it will ruin discipline on my ship," Marrissa responded. "I don't think you want to be responsible for the only ship in Starfleet to have a 120% efficiency rating for 5 consecutive months not making 6 months." "Heaven forbid," Victoria laughed. "Well the carriages await, and so does the public." Outside the palace, carriages were arrayed for the many distinguished guests' rides to the cathedral of Saint Paul in Londondairy, Essex. Among those guests who left first was the ruler of the Klingon High Counsel, Kern and the Empress, Be'lara daughter of Ka'less; there was a delegation from Cardassian, Legate Dukat and his son Mikor, first officer of the Stargazer. Representing members of the Federation there was Laxwanna Troi from Betazed, Sel Rahc Crevel from Nevolsia, and General Kira and Kia Winn from Bajor. From Starfleet there was Admiral Scott, who commanded Starfleet Engineering; Admiral Okie of Starfleet Diplomatic; and even the elusive commander of Starfleet Intelligence, Admiral Saavik was there. All of Marrissa's former Captains and Commanding Officers were in a couple of carriages. Captain T'Gwen Washington of the Stargazer, Rear-Admiral Riker of the Enterprise, and Rear-Admiral Benjamin Sisko, Marrissa's current Commanding Officer, were all in one carriage. The ailing retired Commanding Admiral, Starfleet, Necheyev was in another with Captain Chelsea Crusher and her husband and first officer, Wesley. Then came the royal carriages. In the first was Martin Sussex, and his mother, the Duchess of Greenwich, Mary. Next came the Queens carriage with her and her fiance, the Prime Minister. Third was Clara's carriage, containing her father, Daniel, the Duke of Yorkshire and Clara herself. Last in line was Marrissa's carriage. Fleet Admiral JeanLuc Picard helped his daughter up into the carriage and then is wife. After Marrissa was seated in her carriage, the procession from the palace to Saint Paul's began with the first carriage's exiting the palace grounds. Crowds of people lined the route. And flags on the lamp post alternated between M & J and C & A in Gold on a blue background. As the carriages pasted by, the crowds strained to get a good look at the young Princesses, Marrissa and Clarrissa. The Royal Guard, mounted on horseback, had a hard time restraining them. The going route being shorter than the post-wedding procession route, The carriages soon began arriving at the cathedral. Marrissa's carriage arrived at Saint Paul's just a minute ahead of schedule. It may be good luck for the bride to arrive late, but Marrissa didn't want her crew to have an evidence what so ever that she had ever been late for anything. It just wasn't good for discipline. As he father assisted her exit from the carriage, her four train bearers waited to make sure the forty-five foot long train was display to it's fullest. The day was one that Marrissa was sure that she would remember for the rest of her life. The sky was clear, with birds flying over head. The black stone gothic church stood adorned in wedding attire, waiting for the brides to enter. So Clara and Marrissa entered, their fathers at their sides. Meanwhile on the Romulan side of the Neutral Zone, A dozen Romulan warbirds had gathered. They were ready to destroy the ships orbiting the planet Essex. On the bridge of the flagship, Admiral Tistek stood admiring his fleet. The Tal'shar representative stood beside him, ready to advise. One of the monitoring officers approached. "You have more information?" Tistek inquired. "Yes, Admiral," the officer replied. "The starship Nova has joined the group of ships. In addition, monitoring Federation Press channels have revealed the reason for the concentration of forces. Captain Marrissa Picard, the heir to that world, is marrying her first officer. Most of the ships gathered have personal connections with her. Her cousin and Chief Engineer, is also getting married, the other ships have connections with her." "The wedding is just an facade, Picard is dead," the Tal'shar representative responded. "And as for the Nova, I wouldn't worry about it. According to our information it is suffering from various malfunctions, and still lacks its accompaniment of fighters." "Can you confirm the links of those ships to Captain Picard and her Chief Engineer?" Admiral Tistek asked. "I don't doubt that it's a facade, but I want to know how clever a one it is." "The Enterprise is the flagship, and as such delivered the Fleet Admiral, her father," the representative responded. "The Defiant delivered the crew of Deep Space Nine which was briefly under Marrissa's Command. The Stargazer was the ship where Captain Picard served as second officer. The Gorkon delivered the Klingon contingent, which Captain Picard had served as the Arbitrator of Succession. The Pasteur is Marrissa's stepmother's ship. And the Clinton is under the command of her step-sister-in-law. The Nova has the Chief Engineers father on it serving as Chief Engineer. The Trinity brought the Pope, who will perform the wedding." "Very neatly done," Tistek replied. "The most powerful ships and the most respected Captains in the Federation, all gathered in one place, ready to invade. Admiral Picard must be working overtime." Moving toward the center of the bridge, he ordered, "All ships prepare to cross the zone. Yellow alert." The Romulan warbirds moved into formation. At the signal they began moving forward. Moments later, they cloaked. ^L Chapter Thirteen Inside Saint Paul's the bridesmaids and flower girls had preceded down the aisle. Now the organ began to play 'Here Comes the Bride,' as the first of the two brides, Princess Clarrissa Sutter began to walk down the aisle holding her father's hand. Looking at the two, you would have never guessed that just a day before both of them had been crawling though jefferies tubes, trying to fix problems with their respected ships. But Prince Daniel and his daughter Clara, had made a mastery of quick changeovers as their roles shifted often from grimy Chief Engineer to well-dressed Prince(ss). Her gown was of white satin with fine white lace and golden trim around the collar. Her bridal veil covered just barely her face. Her father was in his Starfleet dress uniform, freshly press with the rank he shared with his daughter, Lieutenant Commander, clearly visible. After Clara's train had fully entered the church, the second bride entered. Captain Marrissa Picard was holding her father, Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard's hand. Her dress was rather elaborate, white satin with embroidered patterns of the royal house of Essex's arms, and the current Starfleet logo. Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard had been forced to wear a representative sample of his awards on his dress uniform. Among the medals adorning his uniform were, the Order of the Defenders of the Klingon Empire, the Order of the Knights of Essex, the Starfleet Medal of Valor with silver palms, and the Federation Congress Order of Merit for Saving Earth, all awards which Marrissa shared. As they approached the altar, Clara split to the left and her father handed her hand to Alexander. Admiral Picard did the same with Marrissa's hand on the right, but of course to Jay. As they settled into their proper places, the Pope began to speak, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the joining of these two couples, Jay and Marrissa, and Alexander and Clarrissa. Is their anyone here who knows of any reason why they should not be joined together today in holy matrimony?" There was a brief pause, but no one spoke up. Although some in the press had objected to Clara marrying a Klingon, there had be an immediate overwhelming response saying that she should marry who ever she pleased, so no one objected today. After the pause, the Pope continued, "As their are no objections, I ask, Clarrissa Ann Sutter, do you come of your own free will to take this Alexander Rozhenko as your husband, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" "I do," Clara responded. "And do you Alexander Rozhenko take this Clarrissa Ann Sutter as your wife, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" the Pope asked "I do," Alexander replied with gusto. As had been arranged, he then went to the second couple, and asked, "Marrissa Amber Flores Picard, do you come of your own free will to take this Jay Alan Gordon as your husband, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" "I do," Marrissa responded solemnly. Then the Pope asked Jay, "Do you Jay Alan Gordon, take this Marrissa Amber Flores Picard as your wife, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" "I do," Jay said with a smile. "Bring forth the rings!" the Pope ordered. Nine-year-old Nicholas Picard came forward with the rings which were tied to a pillow by the names of each of the people who were about to receive them. (Necessary because every one of them had different ring sizes.) "Gentlemen, take the appropriate rings and repeat after me," the Pope began, and after a moment continued. "With this ring I thee wed." "With this ring I thee wed," Alexander and Jay said almost together as they slid the rings on their brides' fingers. "Now Princesses, repeat the procedure," the Pope ordered. "With this ring I thee wed," Marrissa and Clara said with the practiced unity of two people who said things in unison allot, sliding the ring on their new husbands. "I pronounce you husbands and wives," the Pope proclaimed. "You may now kiss the bride." Jay lifted up Marrissa's veil and Alex, Clara's. Both men began passionate kisses of their new wives to the applause of those gathered inside the church. Meanwhile, in orbit of the Planet, Ensign Patterson Supra was enjoying his first command of a starship since graduating from the Academy. Having been a Kid's Crew Captain, he knew both the joys and pressures of command. He was only eighteen years old. However, he knew more about commanding starships then most of the people left in command of the starships orbiting the planet. The exception being the monk that Pope Gregory left in command of the Trinity, a former starship Captain who disenchanted with Starfleet entered the monastery, only to end up as one of Pope Gregory's starship crew. Knowing that a starship Captain should be well informed about everything that is happening nearby and having some experience in command of the Enterprise, Ensign Supra was the only one who was monitoring the Romulan border among those orbiting Essex. He was the only one that saw the Romulans warp toward Essex, and then cloak. After double checking the recording, he decided that he better call his Captain. Looking at the time he saw that the wedding was probably over by now so he had no qualms about calling Captain Marrissa Picard of the Starship Endeavor. Marrissa was just about to make the run though the rice to the carriage and the ride to the palace, when her communicator beep. "Endeavor to Captain Picard," it said. "Picard here," she replied. "This had better be important Patterson." "It is," Patterson replied. "The Romulans are headed this way, a dozen warbirds, ETA ninety minutes." "Standby, Patterson," Marrissa said. "Dad! Tory!" Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard and Queen Victoria of Essex pushed though the crowd moving into position to throw rice at the exiting couples. "What is it Marrissa?" her father asked. "Apparently the Romulans have chosen to ruin my wedding day," Marrissa replied. "A dozen warbirds are on coarse to Essex." "Let me guess, you need to schedule rearranged so that you can go get rid of them," Queen Victoria said. "I'll see too it, and I'll get any Starship Captain I see to recall their people to their ships." "Tell them that it's an order from the Fleet Admiral," Picard said. "We'll do the battle arrangements via a conference call. Now Marrissa, please tell me that you have a plan for the defense of Essex." "I do," Marrissa replied. "It involves the use of one Nova class Starship, one Sovereign class, one Nebula II class, one Defiant class, one Excelsior class, one Hope class, one Stargazer fighter carrier, one Intrepid Class, and one ship commanded by the Pope." "How is it that you have a plan that fits us so exactly?" Admiral Jean-Luc Picard asked. "Simple, I knew someone would try to ruin my wedding day," Marrissa replied. "And planned accordingly. So which ship do you want to be aboard?" "Yours, you haven't scratched a starship yet," her father responded. "Captain Picard to Endeavor, recall all personnel," Marrissa ordered. "Myself and the Fleet Admiral to beam up, procedure delta one five." Captain Marrissa Picard materialized on the bridge of the Endeavor with Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. Captain Picard had materialized with only the veil and tiara of her wedding dress remaining. The rest had been replaced with a Starfleet Captain's uniform. She quickly removed the tiara and veil and moved toward the center seat. "Report, Patterson," she ordered. "Roughly five minutes ago I was monitoring the Romulan side of the Neutral Zone with the Endeavor's enhanced sensor array," Patterson reported. "I detected a dozen Romulan warbirds on a direct coarse to Essex. As they neared the border they cloaked. I just received a report form the border that our tachynon web detection grid has been sabotaged." "I told Admiral Cen'tal that his security was too lax," the Fleet Admiral commented. "Status on returning officers?" Marrissa asked. "All members of the Endeavor's command crew are on their way to the bridge," Patterson replied. "Currently no one is assigned as security chief." "Get Shayna up here to man that," Marrissa replied. "Patterson, take the helm. Hail all the other starships." Meanwhile down on the Planet, Queen Victoria was beginning to address the crowd. "Ladies and Gentlemen, due to a Starfleet Emergency Princess Marrissa and her crew and those of the other starships in orbit are need aboard their ships," she began. "Therefore we are rescheduling some of the events. The rice throwing will occur before they leave for their honeymoons in front of the palace, after the reception. The reception will begin once the Emergency ends. The post-wedding procession, in a slightly altered order will be their route out of the city following the reception. The reception will be held in the Royal Palace's Enterprise wing, invitation only." She concluded her remarks with a request, "If anyone has seen Jackie Picard, please see me, I seem to have lost track of her." At that the eleven-year-old flower girl tackled the Queen from behind. ^L Chapter Fourteen The Conference Battle Strategy Call had just begun. Hailing from the Endeavor were Captain Marrissa Amber Picard, and Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard. From the Defiant, Rear-Admiral Benjamin Sisko; from the Enterprise, Rear-Admiral William T. Riker; from the Gorkon, Captain Jadzia Dax; from the Stargazer, Captain T'Gwen Washington; from the Nova, Captain Geordi LaForge; From the Pasteur, Captain Beverly Picard; from the Clinton, Captain Chelsea Crusher; and from the Trinity, Pope Gregory the twentieth. "Welcome to the Romulan's wedding present for my daughter," Admiral Picard said. "Then, someone needs to tell them what is appropriate for a wedding present, Admiral," Captain Crusher replied. "I really wish someone would," Captain Riker replied. "They gave me a battle for my last birthday." "We can pray that they learn proper etiquette," the Pope interjected. "But I'm afraid such prayers would help us little in our upcoming battle." "True, so I asked Starfleet's leading tactical expert to come up with a plan," Admiral Picard said. "Marrissa, your plan please?" "The odds are 12 Romulan ships verse our seven ships," Marrissa began. "Not fair ... for them. Before I begin I need to know some things. Captain LaForge, fighter status on your vessel?" "All 500 loaded, pilots at alert status," LaForge replied. "Captain Washington?" Marrissa asked. "Their are 28 at launch readiness, 15 at alert status," Washington reported. "That should be all," Marrissa said. "The Endeavor, the Defiant, the Enterprise, and the Gorkon will be our first wave, which will attempt to damage as much and as many warbirds as possible. The second wave will be the fighters from the Nova and Stargazer, 45 to 46 fighters per warbird. Make strafing runs and watch out for return fire and other ships and fighters, it's going to be close out their. The third wave will be the Stargazer, the Clinton, and the Nova, Captain LaForge, you may separate your ship at your discretion. The fourth wave will be the first plus the Trinity and the Pasteur. The Trinity and Pasteur's goals are to keep them from leaving. The Pasteur is also to test that shield design that you've got, pick up any fighter pilot who's craft is disabled. During the fourth wave's attack any reloading that the fighters need is to be done. From the fifth wave, if needed, on the Second, Third, and Fourth waves are to be repeated." "If by chance, the first wave is followed during the switch over between them and the second wave, the Trinity and Pasteur are to assist in clearing them of opposition," Marrissa said. "I doubt the Romulans will follow the second, the third wave will be cleared of opposition by the arrival of the fourth and the same their after." "Any comments, Captains, Admirals, and Pope?" Marrissa asked. There were none, so Admiral Picard said, "The Endeavor will be my flagship. Chain of Command is myself, Admiral Sisko, Admiral Riker, Captain Marrissa Picard, Captain LaForge, Captain Washington, Captain Beverly Picard, Captain Dax, and last the Pope." "Ah, my preferred position," the Pope responded. "Now ladies and gentlemen, we wait for our late wedding guests," Picard said. "Truly, I don't know them," the Pope said. "But I think I'll be a lot more harsh to these wedding guests then the groom in the parable. They were only late, these are trying to force their way in." "And this planet doesn't take kindly to people forcing their way in," Marrissa, Heir to Essex responded. "First wave attacks as soon as we finish talking to them, Endeavor out," Admiral Picard said. "Dad, do I have permission to give our regards to the Romulans when they arrive?" Marrissa asked. "I do hold the position of Commander in Chief of the Essex Space Defense Force, as meaningless as the title may be." "I'd be delighted, Marrissa," Admiral Picard said. "It might even convince them to leave, with your reputation." "I don't think my reputation as a starship captain is strong enough to cause them to go running," Marrissa said. "I'm no James T. Kirk." While Marrissa had been discussing battle plans, her command crew had quietly arrived and was beginning to take their stations. As she noticed Alexander taking his station, she turned around and asked, "Ships status?" "All personnel aboard," her first officer and husband, Commander Jay Gordon replied. "Warp, impluse, and thrusters available," her chief engineer and cousin, Lieutenant Commander Clara Sutter-Rozhenko responded. "Phasers and Photon Torpedoes on-line and awaiting your order," Lieutenant Shayna Sachs, acting-as Chief of Security informed. "Tractor beams, ready; scrabbled tight beam communication channels arranged with a code change rotation set for every two minutes," her Chief of Operations and husband of her Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Alexander Rozhenko informed. "Helm ready for orders," Ensign Patterson Supra informed. "Shayna, scan for signs of incoming Romulan vessels," Marrissa said. "Link up with the Essex Detection Network." "Detection Network?" Admiral Picard asked. "I told the Prime Minister that one would be advisable when they started to produce fighters," Marrissa replied. "He quietly installed one. Essex is of more strategic importance than we let on." "EDN has detected signs of Romulan Warbirds hiding at 0 mark 0 distance 200 kilometers," Shayna informed. "A dozen such are defined." "Alexander, hail the Romulans for me," Marrissa said. "Shayna, get ready to turn up the lights so we can see them if you will." "A dozen full yield torpedoes ready at your command," Shayna replied. "Full yield?" Admiral Picard inquired. "I don't do half measures," Captain Marrissa Picard said. "They will either answer my hail, decloak to prevent their destruction, or be blown to pieces. In any cause, sneaking up on someone is not nice. Of coarse that doesn't prevent be from using such tactics, but they will regret trying to do them on me." "A dozen warbirds decloaking," Shayna informed. "The leading warbird is hailing us," Alexander said. "On Screen," Marrissa replied. Admiral Tistek appeared on the bridge of his flagship, standing proudly. "This is Captain Marrissa Amber Picard of the Federation Starship Endeavor, as head of the Essex Defense force, heir to this planet, and as a representative of Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, I must ask you what you are doing with a dozen heavy armed warbirds inside the Anglica System. If you've come for my wedding, your a little late." "We did not come for some mythical wedding," Admiral Tistek said. "We came to destroy you." "I'd advise against that," Marrissa replied. "I am offering you one chance to withdraw." "We chose to destroy you," the Admiral repeated, defiantly. "Sorry, not an option, Endeavor out," Marrissa replied. "Alex, send first wave. Patterson, coarse 0 mark 2 full impluse, evasive pattern rotation four, Mozart Symphonies. Shayna target warbirds as we go by. Clara, I want as much power as possible diverted to phasers." "Aye, Captain," Clara, Alexander and Patterson replied in unison. The Endeavor lead the Defiant, the Enterprise, and the Gorkon toward the Romulan formation. The Endeavor ran right down the center, firing at each as it passed over the top of the vessels. Although all the Romulan vessels were of the same class not all of them were in the same condition. The second warbird they passed blew up in a blaze of glory as the Endeavor fired down its length. Turning slightly to the left she began strafing two more as the other starships reached the Romulans. The Enterprise went down the left flank of the Romulan formation firing on each in turn. The Defiant did the same to the right flank, destroying the first vessel to the right of the point man. The Gorkon ran do the middle, hitting the vessel at point and strafing the two vessels that the Endeavor had turned from in favor of those to the port. "Turn us around Patterson," Marrissa ordered. "Take us up the right flank of the formation." "Alexander, have the second wave begin their run," Admiral Picard ordered. The Endeavor arched around behind the Romulan forces, then began speeding back along the Romulan line. She fired shot after shot at the warbirds as she passed. Torpedo after torpedo impacted the Romulan shields. No ship escaped unharmed from the power of the Starfleet vessels. Meanwhile the Romulan disrupter fire danced off the full shields of the Nebula II class starship. As the Endeavor moved along the right side of the Romulan front, the Gorkon did the same on the left and the Defiant and the Enterprise went up though the middle. As they cleared the Romulans they were greeted by the incoming fighters. As the first wave retreated to a safe distance, the fighters began to do their job. ^L Chapter Fifteen On the bridge of the Romulan flagship, things were not going well. "Status of fleet," Admiral Tistek asked. "The Bloodfire and the Distructor have been destroyed," an aid replied. "The Relentless has suffered complete shield failure. Most ships report that shields are down to half." "Move the Relentless to the rear," Admiral Tistek ordered. "Form up for a counter attack." "Small craft incoming," the Romulan tactical officer said. "Five hundred fifty of them." "Five hundred fifty shuttles, where do they get five hundred fifty shuttles," Tistek muttered. "Oh well, their just cannon fodder. Take out the shuttles at your leisure." Meanwhile, Admiral Picard was receiving reports as to his fleet's status. "The Enterprise reports shields at 70 percent, but they think they'll be up to 100 before they're sent in again," Alexander informed. "The Gorkon's shields are at 50 percent with the same comment. The Defiant reports shields at 90 percent." "Clara, status of Endeavor?" Marrissa asked. "Shields at 80 percent, but we've developed a small drop in shield efficiency in the aft portside area," Clara replied. "Request permission to go and personally track it down." "Granted," Marrissa replied. Meanwhile the fighters were having some fun with the Romulan warbirds. They dodged right, left, up, and down, avoiding Romulan disrupter fire. So far only two ships had been hit and it looked like the fighters would soon even up the score. Seven wings of seven fighters bore down on one Romulan warbird. The phaser fire was intense. The shields of the warbird flared, then collapsed, enabling a wing to run a quick pass along the Romulan warp engines. As they retreated to a safer distance, another warbird was pushed closer to the doomed Romulan. The doomed ship exploded. The pieces hit the other Romulan. As the fighters retreated a little more the second Romulan exploded. Then the fighters began retreating to their rendezvous point. The third wave was on its way. The Nova, the first of its class, and the Stargazer, the first Federation fighter carrier in 90 years, were not ships to laugh about. The Nova was top of the line with four torpedo bays and 26 phaser arrays when docked. Its saucer warp engines glowed with contained power, power that it was about to release on the Romulans. The Stargazer was nothing to laugh about either. Its three warp cores gave it power to spare and it was by no means defenseless with its 13 phaser arrays when its fighters were away. The Intrepid Class starship Chelsea Clinton's captain may have been born in the twentieth century, but that didn't mean she was clueless as to modern tactics. Captain Chelsea Clinton Crusher had spent years learning new tactics, determined not to commit a mistake due to lack of knowledge. The Nova, the Clinton, and Stargazer closed on the scattered Romulan forces, firing at warbird after warbird. Soon the Nova began to make the Romulan ships into its namesake, as first one, then two, and finally three ships died under the phaser fire of the largest ship in Starfleet. The Stargazer didn't destroy any warbirds, but it made sure that soon it's Captain would only be gazing upon the stars instead of the Romulan menace. The Clinton also failed to take any warbirds out, but Captain Crusher managed to knock out the shields on several before being ordered to withdraw. "Ready for fourth wave," Admiral Picard ordered. "I want finger threes. Defiant, Gorkon, Pasteur, push them towards Endeavor, Enterprise, and Trinity." "All ships acknowledge," Alexander replied. The Nova and Stargazer retreated toward the their fighters, to pick them up and ready them for reloading, the Clinton guarding their backs. The Romulans attempted to follow, but found the Defiant, the Gorkon, and the Pasteur in their way. The three fully charged Starfleet vessels forced the five remaining Romulan warbirds into retreat, toward the Endeavor, the Enterprise, and the Trinity. The Pasteur fired a hard volley at one Romulan, to distract it while it recovered a damaged fighter pilot, but the blast caused the Romulan to go nova, like its comrades before it. Then the Romulans ran into the waiting threesome. The Enterprise, and the Trinity both destroyed a warbird. The remaining Romulan took off, like a bat out of hell. It headed away from the battle. In its panic, it headed toward Earth, instead of Romulus. The Gorkon shot after. The experience of the 338 year-old Trill was too much for the warbird and the Romulan was quickly shot down. After the last Romulan was finished off, Fleet Admiral Picard said, "I believe we have a Wedding Reception to attend, although after this battle it might as well be called a Victory Ball." "I believe so, but that does mean I'll have to get into an elaborate dress again," Marrissa replied. "I wish I could wear the dress uniform like the guys get too." "Personally Marrissa, I think your lucky," Jay responded. "You don't have to put up with this ridiculous collar." Down on the planet, Queen Victoria had just been notified of the victory against the Romulans. The non-Starfleet guests had returned to the Palace and the crowds had filled the square below the Royal balcony. The Queen stepped out on to the balcony and surveyed the crowd below. It was a subdued crowd, worried about the battle that had gone on above their heads, worried about their Princesses and their new husbands, worried about their own heads. The Queen moved forward to speak, "My loyal subjects, I bring you good news. Fleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard, father of our beloved heir, has informed me of the results of the battle against the Romulans. All the Romulans are dead, with only minor losses." The crowd began to cheer. "The Princesses and their husbands will be returning to Essex for their reception before going off on their honeymoon." Moments later, Princess Marrissa, and her husband Jay, and Princess Clarrissa and her husband Alexander matterialized on the balcony. The crowd cheered for their defenders, their well-loved Princesses. They cheered for the people who had given Essex a reason to be proud. They cheered for the Captain, the Heir to the throne on Essex, whose deeds gave made them proud to be citizens of a planet that boasted such a brave Princess. They cheered for Captain Princess Marrissa Amber Picard, heir to the throne of Essex, Princess of Halifax, Duchess of Londondairy, the much decorated captain of the Starship Endeavor. ^L Chapter Sixteen After leaving the balcony, the newlyweds made their way to the ball room. Already, most of the guest had arrived. The Klingon contingent was discussing Starship Tactics with some of the Chiefs of Security from the assembled Starfleet vessels. Commander Dukat Mikor and his father Legate Dukat were discussing the merits of the newest one seated Essex fighter, the Essex-10-D with Captain LaForge and his fighter commander, Lieutenant Commander Matt Grubb. Martin Sussex, Earl Flores, was talking with Counselor Troi about the possible problems that could arise from the marriage of his commanding officers. Entering the room, Marrissa announced, "Sorry we're late, but some Romulans thought that now would be a good time to take Essex. I had to explain their error with a rather large bat." "That's OK, Marrissa," Commander Dukat Mikor replied. "We certainly didn't want them to attend in such a mood." "Since we are a little late for a reception line, Clara has suggested that we hand out the cake," Marrissa said. "I've been waiting to see what Guinan and Mary have come up with in the way of cakes, any way." At that Guinan spoke up, "In that case, the wedding cakes are behind that curtain." The curtain was drawn back revealing the wedding cakes for both couples. They were shaped like the Starship Endeavor, right down to the hull markings. Not only that but they were big, the saucer itself was a good 5 feet across and its thinnest dimension was two inches, the thickest being over six. Standing on the upper arch of each cake were miniatures of the newlyweds. "Only the upper arch and the saucer are cake, so don't try to cut the warp engines." Then Marrissa noticed a small error in the design, "Guinan, I don't know about you but last time I checked the Endeavor's registration wasn't NCC-1701-E," Marrissa noted. "OOPS," Guinan muttered. "Force of habit." "Oh well, Captain Riker has been accusing me of wanting his chair since he got it," Marrissa said. "I don't think he will mind me borrowing his registration, will you Captain?" "Not at all Marrissa, I'm almost done with the Enterprise anyway," Riker replied. "So there is truth to the rumors," Captain T'Gwen Washington said. "Captain Marrissa Picard may get your chair then." "Tell me Captain, can you find any other person more worthy?" Riker asked. "To tell the truth, no," Washington replied. "Her record makes all of ours look like cadets fresh out to the Academy, some place she's never been, and she's only been a Captain for 4 years." "Hey, I taught Tactics 240 during summer school at the Academy the year I turned 17," Marrissa replied. "So that no longer applies." "Their are some rather hungry Klingons over here," Kern son of Mog said, from across the room. "If you don't mind I'd rather like to have some cake." "Who am I do deny the leader of the Klingon high counsel?" Marrissa asked as she walked over to the cake. "Who forgot the knife?" she asked after looking for one. "I knew I was forgetting something," Mary daughter of Guinan said. "Perhaps my knife may be of service," Kern said, handing over his Klingon knife. "I all was keep to clean, it would not be good for enemy to die be cause of a disease your blade has spread." "I don't doubt it," Marrissa replied. "And I not going to use the only other blade I've seen in this room. That ceremonial sword of my cousin Victoria is just too dull." "You mean she hasn't given up on giving out titles?" Jay replied. "Yes Jay, she has a title for you, and Alex as well," Marrissa replied. "So you better get use to the idea. Members of the Royal Family of Essex don't take no for an answer." "At least I can say I tried," Jay replied as they began passing out the cake. After all the cake and been pasted out, Queen Victoria marched to the center of the room and said, "While you are eating, I've got some titles to give away. Sir Jay Gordon, please approach and kneel, or I do I have to have Marrissa bring you over?" With a look of resignation, Jay walked up to the Queen and kneeled. "For meritorious service to Essex, I hereby grant you the title Duke of Aberdeen. Rise my Duke," Victoria granted. After Jay had stood, she continued. "Alexander Rozhenko, please approach and kneel." Alexander approached, much more willingly than Jay, but then Alexander hadn't seen the frustration that some of Marrissa's titles had given to her. "Alexander, son of Worf, for you devoted service to both Essex and the Federation, we hereby grant you the title Duke of Wellington, a title so graciously lent to us by the King of Great Britain, King George X. In addition we also knight you. Rise, Sir Alexander, Duke of Wellington," Victoria said. Meanwhile Jay had made it back to his wife's side. Marrissa whispered into his ear, "That wasn't so bad, was it." "No, but I reserve the right to change my mind based on future troubles that that title may incur," Jay replied. "Don't worry, I've got all the titles with duties attached," Marrissa replied. "The most you could end up with is regent in the event of my having a child, dying, and Victoria dying without heirs." "I don't want to even think about it," Jay replied. "One death scare in a life time is enough for me, I sincerely hope that you out live me." After performing the traditional dance with the father of the bride, it was now time for the most looked forward to part of the evening, the tossing of the bridal bouquet and garter. First the young females gathered behind Clara. Among them were Lieutenant Shayna Sachs, Laxwanna Troi, and Marrissa's half-sister Jackie, who discreetly placed her eleven year-old self on the side opposite of her mother, Captain Beverly Picard so she wasn't caught. Clara tossed the bouquet over her head, right into the waiting arms of her former second, Lieutenant Shayna Sachs. "I told you it would go right to Shayna," Alexander said. "I should have known better than to bet against you, my son," Worf replied. "Here's you money, just don't spend it all in one place." "Alexander Rozhenko," Clara admonished. "How dare you bet on such a unlikely event. There are two dozen unmarried females in this room, each of which had the same odds." "Yes, my love, but none who habitually catch things you drop or throw," Alexander grinned. Now it was Marrissa's turn. Jackie still hadn't been noticed at the edge of the crowd of unmarried females. The bouquet went up in the air. It hit a lighting fixture and bounced down, right into Jackie's waiting arms. As she caught the bouquet, Captain Beverly Picard finally noticed Jackie's location. "Jacquelyn Marie Picard, what are you doing over there," the Doctor's voice rang out. "Catching my sister's bridal bouquet," Jackie replied. "Jackie," her mother began. "Doctor, I see nothing wrong with my little sister catching my bouquet," Marrissa said. "It's not like she dove in front of ever one to catch it. In fact, I believe that her odds of catching it were the worse of any of the females behind me." "Don't try to give her an excuse to get out of a direct order," Doctor Picard replied. "Mother, I believe this is my wedding. I asked her to make sure to join the single ladies, after all she is a single lady," Marrissa said. Thus placated, Captain Beverly Picard returned to her seat beside the Fleet Admiral. Jackie then came up to her older sister and whispered into her ear, "Thanks for covering for me." Marrissa whispered back, "Cover, what cover?" ^L Epilogue After the reception, Captain Marrissa Picard and her husband Jay, and her cousin Clara and her husband Alexander, entered two open carriages. They proceeded off the Palace grounds though a sea of thrown rice. Then they began a procession though the city and which would eventually lead to their honeymoon accommodations, Marrissa's own residence, and in Clara's case, the Royal Hunting Lodge. The crowds were out in force to see the Princesses and their new husband as they proceeded in the twilight around the city. As the sun set behind the mountains, the carriages split up to take their newlywed couples to their accommodations. Soon Marrissa's Castle peeked up from behind the trees. It was located on a peninsula, in the middle of a large garden. The west side was designed like a traditional castle, complete with a moat and drawbridge. The carriage crossed the draw bridge and drew to a stop in the courtyard. "Thank you, Jenkins," Marrissa said, after Jay helped her down from the carriage. "Put the carriage in the carriage house and the horses in the stables, and then you may have the next couple days off." "Thank you your highness," Jenkins replied. "No titles Jenkins, now get to work," Marrissa said as she and Jay walked over to the main entrance. As they reached the large double doors, they opened. Suddenly, Jay picked Marrissa up and carried her across the threshold. "Traditionalist," Marrissa accused. "The castle got me in the mood," Jay said. "It's not that traditional," Marrissa replied. "Just look at the living room." "Lead on, I think I need a full tour anyway," Jay replied, as they walked down the cavernous and very traditional main hall. Marrissa then turned into a nearby door which slid apart like those on the Enterprise. Inside the room was the Enterprise. More precisely, it's bridge with a couple of modifications to make it a suitable living room. "Now I see why your living room is the reason Captain Riker thinks you want his chair." "And half the fleet is ridiculing his reason," Marrissa replied as she moved toward the leather couch which occupied the command area. Turning toward the main veiwscreens's location, which was a large east facing window. She continued, "So far as I know, he and Chelsea are the only StarFleet Captains who have seen this room and no one will believe him." "Poor Riker," Jay replied. "I assume this castle has everything." "Yes, Jay, and I believe the bedroom is accessible by that turbolift," Marrissa smiled. Q watched Jay and Marrissa skipping towards the trubolift. He found human mating rituals rather disgusting. But he could have some fun with them, he mused. Of course the Continuum require him to justify any interfearance ... annoying bastards. We heard that. Sorry. Well in some human cultures becoming pregant on the wedding night is good luck, and with all the trouble Marrissa faced she needed all the good luck she could get. It would be interesting to see how Mrs. I-have-everthing-under-control deals with a child.